Getty Music - My Worth is Not in What I Own Lyrics
Lyrics
My worth is not in what I own
Not in the strength of flesh and bone
But in the costly wounds of love
At the cross
My worth is not in skill or name
In win or lose, in pride or shame
But in the blood of Christ that flowed
At the cross
Refrain:
I rejoice in my Redeemer
Greatest Treasure,
Wellspring of my soul
I will trust in Him, no other.
My soul is satisfied in Him alone.
As summer flowers we fade and die
Fame, youth and beauty hurry by
But life eternal calls to us
At the cross
I will not boast in wealth or might
Or human wisdom’s fleeting light
But I will boast in knowing Christ
At the cross
I rejoice in my Redeemer
Greatest Treasure,
Wellspring of my soul
I will trust in Him, no other.
My soul is satisfied in Him alone.
Two wonders here that I confess
My worth and my unworthiness
My value fixed - my ransom paid
At the cross
Video
Keith & Kristyn Getty - My Worth Is Not In What I Own ft. Fernando Ortega (Official Lyric Video)
Meaning & Inspiration
On January 20, 2017, Keith & Kristyn Getty, joined by Fernando Ortega, released their profound hymn, "My Worth Is Not In What I Own," a song that immediately resonated with a core Christian truth. This composition emerges from a deep well of theological reflection, aiming to redirect our understanding of self-worth from fleeting earthly standards to the immutable, eternal value bestowed by divine love. In a world constantly pushing us to define ourselves by possessions, achievements, or outward appearance, the Gettys offer a crucial counter-narrative, anchoring identity in the finished work of Christ at the cross. It speaks to the universal human search for meaning and acceptance, offering a definitive answer rooted in grace rather than human striving.
The song’s message is a powerful declaration against the prevailing currents of our culture, which so often equate worth with material wealth, physical attractiveness, or personal accomplishment. The opening lines immediately establish this premise, drawing a stark contrast between temporary human measures and the enduring source of true value. It clarifies that our significance is not found in the "strength of flesh and bone" or in any skill, name, victory, or even shame, but rather in the profound act of redemption. This aligns perfectly with scriptural teaching, reminding us that salvation is "not by works, so that no no one can boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9). Instead, our value is fixed "in the costly wounds of love" and "in the blood of Christ that flowed at the cross," a direct echo of 1 Peter 1:18-19, which states we are "redeemed...not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ." This foundational truth liberates individuals from the relentless pressure of performance, inviting them into a rest found only in the knowledge that they are infinitely cherished by God, not for what they do, but for who they are in Christ.
The refrain, a heart-stirring profession of faith, shifts the focus from what we are not to what we are in Christ, declaring, "I rejoice in my Redeemer, Greatest Treasure, Wellspring of my soul." This section encapsulates the spirit of worship and deep satisfaction found when Christ becomes the center of one’s existence. To call the Redeemer the "Greatest Treasure" is to echo Matthew 6:21, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also," asserting that ultimate fulfillment is found in Him. The imagery of a "Wellspring of my soul" powerfully evokes John 4:14, where Jesus speaks of giving living water that springs up to eternal life, satisfying a thirst that nothing else can quench. This deep trust in Him alone, leading to a soul satisfied in Him, is a testament to the sufficiency of Christ, paralleling Psalm 73:25-26, "Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you." This isn't mere poetic language; it's a theological statement about divine provision and sustained joy.
The hymn continues by reflecting on the transient nature of earthly existence and human achievements, comparing life to "summer flowers we fade and die" and noting how "fame, youth and beauty hurry by." This poignant reminder of mortality, reminiscent of James 4:14’s description of life as a mist, serves to underscore the eternal hope offered "at the cross." In contrast to the fleeting "wealth or might or human wisdom’s fleeting light," the song declares a steadfast commitment to boast only "in knowing Christ." This resonates deeply with Jeremiah 9:23-24, where the Lord says, "Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me." Similarly, Galatians 6:14 states, "May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ." This radical shift in perspective elevates the spiritual over the material, the eternal over the temporary.
The song concludes with a profound theological paradox: "Two wonders here that I confess, my worth and my unworthiness." This line beautifully captures the tension inherent in Christian understanding: recognizing one’s inherent sinfulness (Romans 3:23) while simultaneously acknowledging the immense, undeserved value placed upon us by God through Christ. It is precisely because of our unworthiness that Christ's sacrifice becomes so significant. Yet, through His sacrifice, our "value fixed" and our "ransom paid at the cross," we are declared worthy in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21). The cross stands as the ultimate act of love, where God, in His boundless mercy, bridged the chasm created by human sin. This song is more than just a melody; it is a profound catechesis, reminding us that our identity is not a self-constructed narrative but a divinely ordained reality, purchased at infinite cost, and eternally secured in the person and work of Jesus Christ. It’s an anthem for every soul seeking to find its true bearings in an ever-shifting world, pointing unwaveringly to the Cross as the source of all lasting worth and satisfaction.