In Romans 12:16, we read: “Live happily together in a spirit of harmony, and be as mindful of another’s worth as you are your own. Don’t live with a lofty mind-set, thinking you are too important to serve others, but be willing to do menial tasks and identify with those who are humble minded. Don’t be smug or even think for a moment that you know it all” (TPT). The Amplified Bible says it this way: “Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty [conceited, self-important, exclusive], but associate with humble people [those with a realistic self-view]. Do not overestimate yourself.” The Message translation is blunt: “Get along with each other; don’t be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don’t be the great somebody.”
I think we can summarize most of this verse in a few words. Service and honor. Serving others is such a blessing. It opens doors to amazing opportunities to see God move, to grow individually, to use your gifts and talents. In serving others, you are also honoring someone. There is nothing more valuable to give than time; time is the only thing you can give and not get back. Ascribing worth to someone should be a familiar action — a way of life! God says all lives matter — all people are important. Everyone matters!
In a world filled with brokenness, let us be a people of grace, who honors others in all that we say and do in life. Let us serve each other in love. Today, aim to see each person’s true worth — what God sees as the true worth with each encounter.
Thank you Father for saying that I am valuable. Thank you for sending Jesus, Your only son, to pay the price for my sins so that we could be in relationship anew. Please continue to guide me by Your Spirit. Open my eyes to see the worth of others. Open my hands to serve others. In Jesus’ Name. Amen!!
Tania Gutekunst 