There is a massive lie going on in Christianity, and it’s coming right out of the Bible people use.

While I initially thought it was just in narratives, and while I understand that some “Bibles” are just hot trash (The Message), I did not expect that some of the more commonly used Bibles, like the NIV, could have such an impact on incorrect thinking.

You see, in an online conversation, a friend presented a statement, I disagreed, and then it was backed up by a verse in the bible.

And this is precisely how it should be done. If, as believers in Christ, we disagree on something, we ought to seek the absolute truth of God, His word. I commend my friend for taking this action.

But when I read the verse given, it didn’t sit well with me. It just didn’t sound right, given my current understanding of scripture and God. So, I dug further.

The entire piece of scripture I want to examine is Philippians 2:1-11.

In this scripture, we see the example of Christ’s humility, a humility we’re supposed to model after Him.

As I read the first two verses, I see equal value. Working to be like-minded, having the same love, and being of one accord and one mind is making sure we have the same value.

One thing I am 100% certain of is that every single person has the exact same value to God. We’re made in His image, fallen to sin, worthy of redemption, and offered His son in our place so that all can be with Him. No human being is more valuable than another.

Verse three goes on to explain that even though we have equal value, we should esteem others or exhort them above ourselves.

Same value, but positioning ourselves lower by lifting others.

Christ became lower than the angels, taking on human form, and He was of no less value to God; if anything, He was of greater value because He lowered Himself.

Verse four, we’re told to look out not only for our interests but also the interests of others. Notice it did not say forget about your interests and only worry about the interests of others. The interests, if honouring God and not sinful, are of equal value.

Jesus did not allow Himself to be crucified because the interests of man were of more value to His life. Not at all. His sacrifice was for the interest of mankind and Himself so that He could spend eternity with those who bear His image…if they desire so.

Going back to verse 3.

In 43 different translations and versions I’ve examined, only one, the NIV, uses the word “value”. It advises us to value others more than ourselves.

Do you know what the top-selling translation has been for several years now?

The NIV.

New…INTERNATIONAL…version.

What’s the agenda for the last days?

One world government.
One world religion.
An international movement that will place a higher value on those who accept the beast system, and ostracize those who do not participate.

Now, take a hard look at Western Christianity. Based on actions, based on giving, based on media coverage. Who do they value the most in this realm? Who on earth do they hold high with more “value” than themselves?

You know what I see? An adopted child whose sibling told them that they have lesser value to the Father because they’re adopted, even though the words of the Father are obvious and clear, His children are not His by blood, but by faith in Him.

It seems to me the church has been sold a lie, one that has made them question their value…or rather, self-sacrifice it because that’s what has been taught by the very word they say is of God.

This is why it’s so important to be a Berean. A study of the word. A questioner of the teachers. A researcher of the translations. And a checker of your own bias.

God so loved all of the world of equal value that He sent His only begotten Son to die on the cross, paying for our sins, so that all who believed would be with Him for eternity.

If any bible teacher tells you someone has more value than you to God, it is a lie from the devil, and you should be able to defend that through scripture. No jew, No Gentile, No man, nor woman. We are all His.