What Do You See in Me? by Clinton Alexander

What gives a person value? What is it about someone that gives them worth? Possibly the most known verse in the bible is John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son; that whosoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life”. Evangelically speaking, the second half of that verse probably gets a bit more application attention. However I’d like to focus some attention on the first phrase of that verse, “For God so loved the world” (emphasis mine).

            What do you think God meant by the word “world”? The exact word used in the Greek text is kosmos, meaning the earth and all of its inhabitants. All of its inhabitants! There exists no filter by which God has determined our value. He sent his son to die for everyone.

            Recently I went into an electronics store during the middle of my workday. I had a few minutes to kill and was looking for an electronic device that would have probably cost $200 - $300. I had one simple problem, I couldn’t get any help. There were no less than five employees in this store whom were helping no customers. Two of the employees were having a simple conversation with each other not far from me. When I finally decided to leave the store an employee near the door said simply “have a good day”.

            On that particular day I was rather dirty from work. It was raining outside and my work boots were slightly muddy as well. When I was neglected, I felt as if the well dressed and groomed employees simply didn’t want to stoop to the level of servicing someone like myself. What they did not know is that I was ready to spend $300, if they would have merely answered my questions. What is more… I had easy three times that much cash in my possession that day. In my opinion, those employees looked at me and made a judgment concerning my worth based on my outward appearance.

            I have tried to teach my children a lesson about the value to be found in people. The way I have tried to point this lesson out to them is through their friends. Make friends with the friendless and you will have friends for life! Every person has worth. The popular people may often make great friends as well, but when you reach out to those who are alone, they appreciate it! When I examine my life, some of the best friends I have made are those who were misfits, those who did not have anyone confirming their worth.

            One of the best ways to show Christ and his message to the world is to show them we understand his word. Befriend the hurting. Acknowledge those who may not look exactly like you. It is said that Sam Walton, founder of Wal-Mart frequently showed up at his store dressed in an old ball cap and a pair of dirty overalls. He wanted to find out which employees would go out of their way to help a simple little old man. Who would you ignore on the street? Which people do you deem worthy of your time and attention? …remember, “For God so loved the world”!

Clinton L Alexander