Good morning! Well, how did you do in treating “people as being image-bearers of God”? Keep in mind that if you agreed with last week’s article than you should have treated others accordingly. Remember “the proof is in the puddin.” Actions speak louder than words, which are pretty cheap. I know its tough. Dealing with people can be a challenge. One of my favorite cartoons is of Charley Brown sitting on a rock, gazing into the sky, and saying “I don’t have a problem with mankind. It’s people I can’t stand!” Than I laugh- great insight! Than I look in the mirror and what do I see- “a people!” Bummer ( I know its bad grammar but it is a people!)The simple fact is: mankind is created in the image of God and, therefore is to be treated with respect. This means that they are not to be looked down upon; not to be abused; not to be made fun of; and not to be manipulated or put into subjection for the selfish purposes of others. They are not to be bullied. I find it interesting that the government school system is having problems with bullying. The young people are taught that they are nothing more than animals. When the bigger and stronger pick on the smaller and weaker, they are merely applying what they were taught! Well duh! This brutish behavior is a consistent application of what they were taught.

Yep that’s true. Have you ever thought about the educational question: When is a fact truly learned? I would say- when it is applied or used in an uncontrolled environment. So I’m back to where we started: how did you do, over the last week, in treating “God’s image bearers” (in an uncontrolled environment) with respect because they are significant? How did you do? Keep in mind that this test is of special significance to one who claims to love the Lord. John, the Apostle, tells us, “how can we say we love God whom we have not seen; when we hate His image-bearers whom we have seen.” Don’t like it? Tough. Get over it. Look up 1 John 4:19-21. Living this out would revolutionize our culture. It must begin among those who love Jesus- remember we are to be the “salt and light” (Matt. 5:13-16).

Let me give you a few principles to apply as we demonstrate a real and authentic concern for the person:

1. Look up Philippians 2:3-4. Paul tells us to treat others as being more important than ourselves. Paul uses Jesus Christ as the example (vs. 5). Jesus considered us so important that He gave His life for us. Now don’t give me this- well Jim I’ve got to love myself first. Guys that is a lousy and unfortunate understanding of the words of Jesus in Matthew 22:39. Jesus says there are two commandments: love God and love neighbor. The problem is- we really don’t have a problem loving ourselves. Think about it- how much money is spent on cosmetics, gym memberships so forth and so on. Jesus is telling us that the natural love that we have for self (don’t believe me- well take some time to analyze yourself and ask the question “who do I think of first?”) is to be transferred to our neighbor as we seek to please the Lord. As we seek to serve Jesus and follow His example- we put others first!

How are you going to do this in your home, neighborhood, workplace?

2. Look up Galatians 5:13-15. Paul tells us that we are free. Jesus said that “the truth will set us free” (John 3:32). Because of Jesus we are free. And in our freedom, we are to serve others in love. The word for service comes from the idea of a servant who waits on tables. He is there to provide for the needs of the one whom he serves.

How are you going to do this in your home, neighborhood, workplace?

3. Look up Ephesians 4:29. Think of the things we say to others. Kind of scary huh? James talks about the tongue (James 3:1-12). Paul says that our words should edify, build up. Even when we are correcting behavior, it can be done in such a way that we are not demeaning or tearing down others. Isn’t correction for the benefit of the one who has done wrong?

How are you going to do this in your home, neighborhood, workplace?

Man is special because he is made in God’s image. Ours is, no matter how difficult, to demonstrate real and authentic concern for the person!!

See ya!