Modern society emphasizes efficiency and convenience but minimizes interaction among people. For example, a person using the phone may hear recorded messages: "For account information, press 1." "At the tone, leave a message." "For flight information, press 2."
Although we may think life would be easier if we didn't have to deal with troublesome, time-consuming relationships, God calls us to operate from a different perspective. As followers of Christ, we are to remain in the people business.
When Joshua succeeded Moses as the leader of Israel, God commanded him, "Arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving you" (Josh. 1:2). I might have questioned the Lord, "This group has a terrible track record. Wouldn't it be easier to leave the complainers and second-guessers behind? Isn't it my job to conquer the land?" But the Lord had said, "You and all this people."
In God's way of doing things, people are never a means to an end; they are the end. Inefficient and inconvenient? Frequently! Unimportant and unnecessary? Never!
Do we treat the people in our lives as inconveniences? Or as important individuals we need and love? — David C. McCasland
Important as your task may be,
That work you must fulfill;
Be sure you keep the human touch
If you would do God's will. --DJD
People are at the heart of God's heart.