DO YOU SEE PEOPLE AS OBJECTS?

October 05, 2021

DO YOU SEE PEOPLE AS OBJECTS?


Years ago, I read an intriguing leadership book called, "Leadership and Self-deception." The main them was that we often treat people in the workplace (and in life) as objects, not as people. When this happens, they feel it, and they began to treat others like objects and a tragic, impersonal cycle begins to happen.

We do this with people, more than we know. Notice how some men were treating a slave-girl in Paul's day in Acts 16.

16 It happened that as we were going to the place of prayer, a slave-girl having a spirit of divination met us, who was bringing her masters much profit by fortune-telling. 17 Following after Paul and us, she kept crying out, saying, “These men are bond-servants of the Most High God, who are proclaiming to you the way of salvation.” 18 She continued doing this for many days. But Paul was greatly annoyed, and turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her!” And it came out at that very moment. 19 But when her masters saw that their hope of profit was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the market place before the authorities...

To her masters, the girl was nothing but an object to be exploited for a few dollars. To Paul, she was someone who was tormented by demons and needed deliverance.

How do I see people today? Are they objects for my use? Just a waiter, a salesperson, etc. Or, are they someone with a history, a life, and a need for Christ?

Father, open my eyes today to see people just as You see them. Help me see their value and their need. And give me the courage to give them the one thing they need the most.





Also in Graceful Truth

DEALING WITH BASELESS CRITICISM
DEALING WITH BASELESS CRITICISM

March 29, 2023

 

As a pastor for the last 55 years, I have had the joy of being encouraged and blessed and prayed for by so many people. It is what carries you in your task of shepherding people. As I look back over five decades of ministry, their love has dramatically enriched my life.

But also, a pastor leads. And when anyone leads, there are almost always some who disagree.

Continue Reading

ALL MY HEART, ALL THE TIME
ALL MY HEART, ALL THE TIME

March 28, 2023

When Jesus was asked which was the most important commandment, He replied with no hesitation: "Love the Lord Your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind." (Matthew 22:37). This first and greatest commandment was given to remind us that what we love we worship. What we love, we serve. And it is fascinating to notice the "all" of this command. There is no room for divided affections.

Continue Reading

WORD-CENTERED, PRAYER-FILLED DISCIPLESHIP
WORD-CENTERED, PRAYER-FILLED DISCIPLESHIP

March 27, 2023

If you are a true follower of Christ, you long to grow, but you also have a passion to help others grow. We are often intimidated by the thought of “discipling/mentoring” someone else, even though it’s our most important task and highest calling. But what if there was an incredibly simple and effective way for anyone to use?

Continue Reading