The Importance of People

What should we say then? Should we continue in sin in order that grace may multiply? Absolutely not! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Or are you unaware that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in a new way of life. For if we have been joined with Him in the likeness of His death, we will certainly also be in the likeness of His resurrection. For we know that our old self was crucified with Him in order that sin's dominion over the body may be abolished, so that we may no longer be enslaved to sin, since a person who has died is freed from sin's claims. - Romans 6:1-7 HCSB

An elder once asked his wife to prepare his meal early so that he would have more time for the performance of a mitzvah. Unfortunately, Murphy’s Law prevailed and the meal was ready even later than it usually was.

The wise man was patient with his wife, helped her get everything back on track and called to reschedule his good deed. When others asked him how he managed to stay so calm when his wife’s mishap had been so singularly unhelpful, the elder replied, “It would be natural for me to become angry at my wife but I wished to eat early in order to gain time to do the Almighty’s will. Shall I now go against His will by becoming angry?”[1]

We often get so focused on doing what we deem to be the will of God that we forget what His will truly is! We get so mission focused that we forget the people. It’s like getting so focused on getting the harvest in that we trample the corn with our machines in our attempt to get out into the field on time.

We must remember that God summarized His will by saying…"Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important commandment. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commandments."[2]

When we are rude or impatient with each other, we often excuse ourselves by thinking, “Oh well, I’m trying to do a great work here and they are in the way. God will understand. I may be wrong, but God’s work is being done and His grace will abound.” Remember, child of God, that person is far more important than any work you do. That person is more important than any charity you may perform.[3]

Your old way of thinking has been crucified. Do not allow sin to dominate your thinking – even when trying to do God’s will.


[1] Niflaot Hachozeh Mailublin, p.21
[2] Matthew 22:37-40 HCSB
[3] 1 Corinthians 13:3