Value of Persons -2

Bella Rose has great intrinsic value.

We left off yesterday’s post speaking about a differentiation between a person’s functional value and intrinsic value. Let’s scrutinize the contrast.

Functional value - instrinsic value
A good friend of mine is a CPA and very skilled. Intrinsically he has great value as an individual and as a CPA. But if he isn’t working, his functional value is nil as a CPA.

Another example. The check book lying in my drawer at home has no functional value in and of itself. Intrinsically it is worth whatever I have deposited in my bank’s checking account. Functionally, that check book has no value until it is used.

Denise is an excellent writer. Has written many books and articles.Writing sometimes comes easily and flows clearly. Other times inspiration or insights are lacking and writing is like pulling teeth. At these times, sitting on the front porch sipping mint julips and eating bon bons is much more enticing. Obviously there are times when we need to rest (and she tells me that creative thinking and planning can be done on the front porch). But if the front porch is an escape from responsibility and she doesn’t discipline herself to plough through those barren fields, she will not function as a writer. Intrinsically, she is of great value as a person, but on the front porch, she would not be living out that intrinsic value. Functional value is nil.

On the other hand, many of us who have a high work ethic, unconsciously designed to prove personal value, view work as a top priority. Functional value far outweighs a sense of intrinsic value and our relationship with God and others takes a back seat. Work is top priority.

Anxiety and depression
I wonder if this is why some people who wrestle with anxiety and depression have guilt as a root issue for not functionally living out their intrinsic value. Lack of self discipline or fear thwarts their productivity, blocking their sense of functional value as a person. Guilt or even shame ensues, triggering anxiety and or depression.

Death
I’m wondering if lack of functional value is one cause of death. Some studies have indicated that the average man who retires from employment, dies within two years after stopping work. Most men perceive their value based on what they do - on performance, achievement. Retirement can remove that source of functional value if the career isn’t replaced with some other source of fulfillment.

The ideal balance seems to be understanding our value as a person intrinsically. Then, living out our intrinsic value in functional shoe leather.
More tomorrow on the value of persons.