The grandest mistake any Christian can make is to assume God is a mild helper. Instead we are totally depraved. We have no hope of saving ourselves. Our world has no hope of virtue. While we have immense worth to God, we have zero merit. “If we say we have no sin we are liars” (1 Jn 1:10). Worth is not conveyed by works or merit. Worth is conveyed by ownership. I have some collectibles. Their worth is only in the perception of the owner, not necessarily others (such as buyers who think it is worth less – perhaps more!). The beauty of this mindset and theology is found in peace of knowing we do not need perform. Generosity no longer gains us any favor. Generosity now comes out of the ability to “lie down in green pastures” because our Shepherd is Good.