People Matter to God

Karen Hill is an Administrate Assistant in Austin,Texas. In the book “A Gentle Thunder” the story is told when Karen underwent surgery in a local hospital.  When Karen awoke in the recovery room, she could hear the moaning of a fellow patient.  She could hear a sympathetic nurse trying to comfort him.  “Settle down, Tom,” she said.” But still he moaned.  “It’s all right, Tom.  Just go with the pain.”  The man was quiet for a few moments, but began groaning again. “It’s okay, Tom. You’ll be fine.”  Finally the patient spoke.  With a low, painful voice, he said, “My name is not Tom!”

There was a moment of silence as the nurse picked up his chart.  Then she said, “It’s alright, Harry; it’s all right.”  It’s not easy being in a situation when no one knows your name, knows who are.  We all want to feel important.  To be valued.  To know that others care. To believe we matter.

Last night I was reminded again of the importance of people. TheFloridaCollegelectures are this week. I like lecture week.  The lessons are wonderful. The singing is heavenly. But it’s people who really make this a special week.   People are here from all over theUnited States.  People who were my college class mates  like Larry Houchen and Mike Grushon.   People who have attended meetings where I have preached like Herb Henderson.  People who were boyhood friends like Larry Ping. People who have been life long friends like Steve and Theresa McAllister.  People who have encouraged me like Steve and Sharon Nale.  People who are preaching colleagues, like Wilson Adams and his good wife Julie, who understand. And care.

Well this list could go on and on and on.  But you get the point. People matter.  In my life. And in your life.  And people matter to God.

People matter so much to God, that He created them in His image.  People are made in His likeness (Gen. 1:26-27). Obviously, this does not refer to physical traits, but spiritual ones.  God gave men and women the power to think, to create, and to choose.  People have a living soul that will never die.  Peter called it a spark of the divine nature.

People matter so much to God that he endowed them with great potential. He gave us gifts, talents and abilities that we might use them for the betterment of others and for His glory (1Pet 4:10-11).

People matter to God because we are a part of His eternal purpose. Last night Ed Harrell spoke eloquently about Jesus going to the cross to pay  the price for our sins. And why did Jesus die?  Because  people matter to God.

Our lives do matter.  We can make a difference.  We are here for a reason.  In fact, God staked His very plan for man’s salvation on that fact.  If you are at FloridaCollegethis week, stop and  look around.  See the people. And remember this one thing–People matter to God.

—Ken Weliever, The Preacherman