SHARING OUR PASSION FOR PEOPLE (3)

It seems to me if we are to really develop a passion for people, we must try to catch the passion of Christ for our own lives. Have you figured it all out yet? The real issue just has to be: How much are people worth? Conclusion: Nothing on this planet is as important as people.

We never tire of looking as such verses as John 3:16 and II Peter 3:9. Why? Because, these verses are the ones that show us the infinite love God has for us. We think about it and we surely are glad God feels for us the way he does. Sometimes we never stop to think or perhaps it has just never occurred to us that God feels the same way for absolutely every other living soul on the planet.

Wow! Think about that one. That’s revolutionary. All we can see are marital problems, family problems, boundary issues, physical illness, mental & emotional illness, global problems, racial problems, religious problems, personal problems and the problems go so deep we never look past the nose on the end of our face to see what God sees. When God looks he sees people. God sees us all the same way. We are all needy. Everyone has sinned (Rom. 3:23). Everyone we know has turned to his own way (Isa. 53:6).

Now! Somehow we must get the rubber on the road and make this as real and practical as possible. How are we going to see everyone else we meet with the eyes of God or with the perspective of Christ—that is the new perspective we have been talking about? Is it too late for us? Have we become so set in our ways we can never change?

It can never be too late as long as it is day (metaphorically). As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming when no one can work (Jno. 9:4). Change is possible only if we are willing to change. The Bible calls it repentance, and that’s not just for the hardened sinner or the drunk in the gutter. Yes, common folk like you and me need to repent. Yes, we can change—if we want to badly enough.

I will tell you a good rule of thumb biblical principle that will help you and next week we will get even more personal. Are you ready? Here it comes: I don’t care who you are and who the other person might be/where it is/when it is/how it falls into place: Treat everyone you meet like you would like to be treated. Does that remind you of a certain Rule (Golden)?

Let me close with one of my favorites that will work for you just like it works for me—when I work it, that is. I believe it works because God said it would and because he stands behind it. Here it is: So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God (I Cor. 10:31). I believe that covers everything you and I do. We had better be doing the right things right now and always, now hadn’t we? How will we be most like God (Lu. 6:35)? Who makes it possible (Phil. 2:13 & Eph. 3:20-21)? See you next time.