Heaven forbid we ever lose sight as a nation, as a family, as a church, or as individuals of what is most important in life. To put it simply – it is the people. Outside of your relationship with Jesus Christ, the people around you are the most valuable thing about your life. You may be tempted to look at what you own, where you live, the amount of money in your bank account, your career and career path, your education, your perceived status, or many other things as what is most valuable to you. However, when you look past the people in your life as you determine what is the most valuable part of your life, you have bought into the false advertising campaign of the desires of your heart.
Friends, do not miss this. the most valuable part of your life, your community, and this great nation is the people. People that no doubt struggle. Yes, they sin. At times, people with whom it is very difficult to live. They disappoint. Sometimes they do much worse than simply disappoint. But these same people are in the image of God (Gen 1:26-28) and are loved by God. For you and me, we do not want to focus on the lesser and miss the greater – people and relationships are the most valuable asset we enjoy outside of our relationship with God through Christ.
The Priority of Your Neighbor
When Jesus first (Matthew 22:37-40) and Paul later (Galatians 5:14) summarized the law of God, they pointed in two directions.
“Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself’” (Matthew 22:37-40).
First, love is upward toward God, often referred to simply as worship. We are to love God supremely with our whole hearts. This is the first commandment.
Second, love is outward toward others. This commandment relates to how our love goes horizontal throughout our community. We receive love vertically from God in Christ and seek to share that love horizontally with others. Although seeking to love others above one’s love of self is a good idea and certainly demonstrates kindness, it is also commanded. God never intended for us to just be receivers of the love of God in Christ; instead, we are to be conduits of that love as reflect it toward others.
My dear friend Tom Zempel always summarized the Great Commandment in this way: Love God Supremely and Love Your Neighbor Sincerely.
Celebrate People around You
People you can encourage, bless, and build up live all around you. They work, shop, sleep, drive, eat, learn, play, worship, and vacation with you, near you, and surrounding you. Do not wait until people are gone to see the beauty and value of an individual in your life and the community.
Let me provide three examples out of my life this week related to the value of people.
First, check out the Jeep ad that ran the week of the Super Bowl. What makes this ad so powerful is that it celebrates people – the loving, sacrificial, caring people. Five days after its debut, it has already garnered 52 million views. Why? Because it celebrates the people. (2 Minutes)
Second, consider this older rendition of a Paul Harvey tribute to farmers. This tribute has been watched over 25 million times and is powerful. What makes this a classic? Because he saw the value in his neighbor – not a value that is political or just looks at “What’s in it for me?” (2 Minutes)
Third, I watched this week as a local emergency room nurse Monta Rae Glaser lost her life in a tragic accident. She graciously and energetically breathed life into all those around her. She was a giver and not a taker. She left a mark wherever she went. There are thousands she has served over the course of her career as patients and through all those she has diligently trained. In this touching video you watch her coworkers line the hallway of the hospital as they push her body down the corridors for the last time. (5 minutes)
Don’t Miss Out on the Grace of God
The reality is this: people can, may, and do make your life difficult at times.
Sometimes it is your husband. Maybe your wife. Your child or children. A boss. An employee. A neighbor. A teacher. A stranger. A politician. Or you can name your own person who tends to really, really bother you.
But don’t miss this – life is too short and grace too great for you to allow their sin, struggles, weaknesses, and weirdnesses to keep you from enjoying them and people in general.
Although people can, may, and do make your life difficult at times, they are still the best God has given us in this life. Do not allow the people around you to make you miss out on the people around you.
Will they do everything you want them to do? No
Will you always be happy with them? No
Will you ever be disappointed by them? Yes
Will you find it difficult at times to look past their sin to love them? Yes
Will you get aggravated and frustrated at their lack of judgement, forgetfulness, carelessness, and selfishness? Yes
But my friend, do not let these things ruin you (Eph 4:25-32). Do not let these things spoil the grace that these same people represent in your life (Col 3:10-17). Instead, persevere alongside them (Eph 4:1-6), choose joy (Phil 4:1-20), and celebrate the people in your life.
KevinCarson.com | Walking together through life as friends in Christ sharing wisdom along the journey
