That is debatable, but I ask because something happened to me recently that probably happens often to all of us. I was sharing something from my heart with a friend…..someone who holds an office in the church. It seemed he patiently listened but I felt he put no value in what I was saying.
As I walked away thinking I was being 'critical,' the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart. "You can respect someone without honoring them." I started thinking of that simple thought and it became clear. The friend listened but put little or no value on what I was saying.
At times we are nice to people but we do not honor them…..in other words we do think they have any value or are worth giving them much time or thought.. We might even respect them because of age (as in my case) or relationship with other friends or family members.
The Lord was telling me that everyone has value, if we look for it. We were all created in His image, and whether we are a bank president, a house wife, a teacher, politician, garbage collector we have something of value. A few years ago I had the privilege of praying for homeless people. I would go home at night astounded at the faith some had, at the 'true grit' they used day after day, and how much they had to offer had not life turned against them.
I think the point God is making with me is to withhold judgment and offer whatever I can to whomever crosses my path, if it is just a smile and hello from the heart. And, to listen to what they say, it might have great value.
Years ago I was in Mexico at a Doctors office, and one of the Doctors started talking with me. He and everyone I met had been so friendly and helpful….so I ask him about that. He said, "In our country we value people just as they are; in your country you value what people do, who they are." I have never forgotten.
Sadly that may not be as true in Mexico now, with all the drug wars, murder and crime. How sad we cannot bring out the value in people to be all they can be for the Lord, not to follow the devil and his demons into disaster. Well, we can sure try by being an example for those around us….to look for the good, the value in them…..encourage that and treat them always with respect.
Pressing in and pressing on….