I heard someone once say, “A bottle of water is $1.00 at the store, $2.00 at the gym, $4.00 at the airport, and $7.00 on a flight. Same water, different price tag. Why? It’s not about the water; it’s about where it’s at. When people don’t see your value, maybe you’re just in the wrong spot.” This simple illustration reveals a profound truth about our worth. Often, when we feel unseen or undervalued, it’s not because we lack value but because we’re in an environment that doesn’t recognize it.
As believers, our value is rooted in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). Our worth is not determined by people’s perceptions or the environment we’re in. Yet, staying in places that don’t affirm our dignity or peace can harm our mental health and spirit. Scripture encourages us to seek environments that reflect God’s love and peace. Jesus Himself moved away from places where He wasn’t received (Mark 6:1-6), choosing instead to be with those who welcomed His message and honored His mission.
From a psychological perspective, our surroundings play a crucial role in shaping our mental health. Prolonged exposure to negativity or lack of support can lead us to doubt our worth and compromise our well-being. Protecting our mental health often means surrounding ourselves with those who respect and uplift us. For Christians, the ideal space is the table of the Lord, where love, peace, and joy are abundant.
Leaving environments that fail to reflect God’s character is not selfish or prideful. It’s an act of honoring the peace that God promises us (Philippians 4:7) and choosing to prioritize our mental health. At God’s table, we are reminded of our true worth and find the healing, love, and peace necessary for our growth.
So, let us consider, “Where am I standing? Who am I with?” Let’s seek out relationships and communities that reflect God’s love, where our intrinsic worth is recognized. Sitting at God’s table means choosing spaces that uphold our mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being, helping us live in the fullness of who God created us to be.
-Jermy Arnold
So true.