Articles
People or Objects?
How do we see each other? Do we see each other as people, or as objects? How do we treat others? That has a lot to say about how we see each other. How does God see us? How did He act toward us?
“For God so loved the world…” Did He love objects or people?
“Whatsoever you would that others do unto you, do also unto them...” Do we do unto others because they are objects to be used, or do we give them the grace they need?
“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” (Matt. 7:3)
Far too many times we see others as inconveniences. We see others as objects to be used for our own selfish ends. Too often we treat others as they have treated us. God said that this is what people of the world do to each other (Matt. 5:46-47). Kingdom people treat others with respect and value, putting others first (Matt. 5:44).
Practically, that means that I do not always have to be right. That means my way of doing things may not be the only way. But I can take the lead in putting others first. I can treat my brother with kindly affection (Rom. 12:10). I can return good for evil (Rom. 12:21).
I am not suggesting this is easy. Satan wants us to look out for ourselves. He wants us to fight back. He wants us to see others as objects to be used. He wants to fill us with bitterness and toxic anger.
If, however, we are filled with the fulness of God, there is no room for Satan in our hearts and lives. God will strengthen us mightily in our inner man. His immeasurable love will fill us. There will be no room for any negative thoughts towards others.
Think of the people who you like the most, who have had the most positive influence on you, who inspire you to be your best, whom you most respect. Why do you so revere them? Is it that you feel seen by them? They engage you as though you matter. They see you as a person, not an object. You matter to them.
See people as people. Created by God. Each different in their own personality. Each loved by God.
Rickie Jenkins
