TITLE: Precious By janet rubin 07/27/05 |
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Many children have special “security” items, such as a blanket or favorite doll. My daughter Cassidy is no exception. “Blanky” is white or at least it used to be. It has been hugged, slept on, spit on, thrown up on, cried on and walked on. Blanky doubles as a hat, cape, baby doll wrap, tea party tablecloth and (until I successfully dissuade her) also a hanky. Bleach does little to whiten it anymore. In fact, I only wash it when absolutely necessary for fear it will disintegrate. Once a soft, fluffy, fleece blanket, Blanky is now stained, frayed and nearly see-through. As a blanket, it is useless- not pretty or warm. The only thing that makes it special is Cassidy’s love of it. If it were any other household blanket, I would toss it in the trash, but since is has value to her, I take special care to keep it clean and safe.
I once heard a preacher say that if we are having trouble loving someone, we should remind ourselves that the person is precious to God. Just like Cassidy’s worn out blanket, people are not always terribly attractive or lovable. The world is stained and made ugly by sin. Sometimes, if we are looking for a reason why we should love someone, there simply won’t be one except for the fact that he or she is precious to God. I know that I am not deserving of God’s love. I am a selfish sinner with a deceitful and wicked heart (Jeremiah 17:9), but God loves me with my stains and frayed edges. The only reason any of us have worth is because God loves us. Who do you find unlovable? Regardless of how you view this individual, he or she is a person for whom Christ died. I care for blanky out of love for Cassidy. Likewise, our care and respect for others should flow out of a love for God. Pray that He will help you to see others as He does- as precious.
Matthew 22:37-38 Jesus said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
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