Worth

As I headed back out of a nursing home... a man on the sidewalk started up a conversation. He liked the car I was using while I was in Washington.

 A smoldering cigarette dangled in between two of his fingers as he spoke about cars he used to race and now owns.   He then said he was visiting his mother who was in the assisted living part of the building.  I don't know exactly what I said next, but he said, “We live in a throw away culture and unfortunately we throw away people as well.”

It wasn't too long after I left, his statement lingered.  I don't know if people figuratively throw people away but I noticed that many people had this cloud of a burden hanging over them... It seemed like they were preoccupied with self.  I don't know if I immediately started off being a "rail changer"... but just using good manners people seemed "receptive".   It was then I decided to show everyone I met that they had value and worth.

I decided that people deserve courtesy even when they don’t seem to give us courtesy.

I mean isn't that what God did when he sent the world Jesus? (John 3:16)

The golden rule says... "And just as you want people to treat you, treat them in the same way." (Luke 6:31)

So I would try to remember and call people by their name.  I thanked them and showed them my appreciation.  I smiled.  I held doors open.  I gave a well timed funny remark.   I genuinely asked them questions about their day.  I took time to listen.  I constructively spoke to others in truth and love.   I gave people a hand shake, a pat on the back and or a hug.  I commented on the pleasant weather conditions.  Just old fashioned respect of others.  

And you know what? I could see a visible difference in these people.  From the time I saw them- to the time I left them.
 

We may not be able to fix the world but we can show others they have worth… and a person who feels "worth" can be empowered to do many positive things.   Imagine a world where we showed worth to one another.  Not prideful but humble worth in one another.  (And sometimes we mistake giving someone worth by agreeing with their wrong but that is not at all true and not for discussion at this time.)

Why don’t we always show others they have worth?

Are we really that busy? Are we really that self-focused?  Do we got some kind of entitlement complex?  Really?

Ever return home after being away for a time and in those awaking moments in the morning - the mind has to figure out where you actually are?  You kind of feel like Alice tumbling down the rabbit hole as you try to place out your surroundings and gain your cognitive bearings. “Where am I? 

We need to ask ourselves?  Where are we spiritually?  Am I living in the ways of God?  Would others know if they saw me?  Basics go a long way!

In Proverbs 23:7. It says, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he….”

Ever think something false about yourself?  Ever believe in lies…. I am sure some good intended grown ups told me lies … some for the worse and some for the better… but were they the reality God wanted for me? 

Our human understanding- the way we see the world, others, and ourselves can be misleading and even destructive.  We can actually live in a "false" reality were we are literally handicapped by false thoughts and impressions.   We can hold on to past resentments, tainting what is for today.  Ever feel mediocre or life is mundane? Do ever feel anxious or depressed or angry?

Often these feelings occur when we are not surrendered and submitted to (as a Christian) to the mind of Christ who works in us through the Holy Spirit.

Jesus said I give you peace not the peace the world gives.  The Holy Spirit helps and counsels us to live above erroneous things that burden our soul.

Sometimes we don't even know the problem... it's like we have this corrupt data that spiritually slows us down or leads us tumble down the rabbit hole of wrong thought.  And then we wonder how in the world did we ever get here?!!!

But when we allow the Holy Spirit to work in our day, He is like the utility program on my Mac.  He repairs all the my permissions data... so I can run more efficiently and not get bogged down…

There are a lot of bogged down people… no wonder why Jesus said, “And who of you by worrying can add one hour to [the length of] his life.” Matthew 6:27 AMP

In other words, we are robbed of the goodness of life- we lose God’s perfect and pleasing will for our life when we allow the things of this world to be placed on the throne of our hearts instead of God.

We miss opportunities to make a positive impact in other people's lives and lead them in the right direction.

(Now I must admit that sometimes my lovely wife, that God has given me, has that job as well and reminds me, “Jeffery get out of your head.”

Accepting and giving value and worth to others – is not hard WHEN we have made God the source of our strength and worth.   And it often is accompanied with humility, genuine peace, grace and self-control.

Godly change cannot be attained in us if we are a willing participant in a false or wrong or sinful pattern of thought.  Worth is not tied to the man but God who first loved us.

  "We love because he first loved us." 1 John 4:19