by our love

The Bible says that they will know we are believers by our love for one another. How well do we do that? As many of you know, I recently have been up for a position with the national office and the process has been difficult, to say the least. Whenever I speak to my friends who work there about this process, they chuckle and say something like, "yeah, we are not good at that part." Which part? The people part? Seriously?

We are not only called to be stewards of the financial blessings which God has bestowed on us, but also the rich blessing of those things which He made in His own image. What a great benefit to have these creations of the Most High, which we can all take care of, which we can all enjoy. Now, I will grant that some of us (me) are not always enjoyable and I think that someone would have to think outside the box to see me in this position, so I am not complaining if I do not get the position. I am doing alright and do not NEED the job, I just wanted to pour myself into something that I care about and at which many people, myself included, think I have a certain skill. My friend Peter said to me the other day, "One of our values is that lost people matter to God. I wonder if we need to be reminded that found people do also." I don't think this is the context in which he was expressing this thought, but it seems to fit the bill, so I will use it.

Here is my challenge, as much to myself as to you, make it known that people matter. Make it known through your words, but more importantly, make it known through your actions. Treat people as if they are important, as if you see them for the beautiful creations they are, the wonderful gift they are. Treat them with kindness, love, care, truth and goodness. One of my mantras is "live every day as if you really believe what you say you believe." Let us do this in all areas, but mostly in treating others as God sees them, as valuable. I will make it my mission, will you?