Have you ever felt ‘less than’? It’s hurtful to be in an environment where people are dismissing you and treating you as though you have little value. Have you ever treated someone as though they are ‘less than’?
Sometimes without even realising it we can judge people and decide that they aren’t cool enough, intelligent enough, socially mature enough or financially equipped to deserve our respect and time.
Jesus followed a simple principle. He saw everyone as a 10 out of 10.
The challenge for us is to see people as Jesus does.
At my local shop there used to be a check-out person who was rather awkward. She would never make eye contact and she would mumble and complain under her breath as she served you.
What I noticed about Mary that others had missed was that she was extremely efficient at her job. Being a mum of small children I found this very appealing!
Every week I would make a beeline for Mary’s checkout. I did not dismiss her complaints about the long hours she was working and the low pay rate she was on. For every negative comment she made I would try to find a way to turn it into a positive.
It wasn’t long before Mary started to change. She didn’t complain as much. She would look me in the eye as we spoke. She even managed an occasional smile!
In a couple of months Mary got employee of the month! But more importantly, Mary had completely changed.
Now, I don’t know exactly what contributed to Mary’s dramatic change but I would like to think being treated with respect and dignity helped.
Everyone is unique and valuable and worthy of love.
Jesus saw everyone as a 10 out of 10. He treated religious leaders and beggars on the street alike. On one occasion Jesus meets a man named Zacchaeus and invites himself over for dinner! This man was not liked or accepted in the community yet his encounter with Jesus transformed his life. The treatment he received from Jesus caused him to completely turn his life in another direction.
What if we could treat people in such a way that their lives were completely transformed? That they were encouraged towards all God designed them to be simply because we saw them as a 10 out of 10?
If Jesus can see everyone as a ten out of ten so can we.
I am going to share with you 7 ways we can turn this around and see everyone as a 10/10.
Begin by realizing that EVERYONE has been created by God and is special, not just us! Psalm 139:14
Understand that we all have value and purpose. Ephesians 2:10
Know that we are all unique and different and that’s ok. Isaiah 64:8
Look beyond the wrapping to the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7
Never be too busy to stop and help someone else Psalm 112:5
Explore the many little ways that ‘10 out of 10’ can be communicated that will speak volumes to the recipient. Micah 6:8
Make a choice to see people as a 10 out of 10. Romans 12:10
When we see people as a 10 out of 10 God can use us to impact lives. Small things can have a huge impact, a smile, kind word or gesture. Let's look for opportunities to do that every day.
Lord,
I don’t always see Your people as a 10/10. Please help me to see people as You see them and to treat them in the same way that Jesus did.
Amen
