With the Eyes of Christ

Some time ago, I heard a great story about the St. Paul School of Theology in Kansas City. At that time, they were seeking a new president and received over one hundred resumes. The search committee narrowed the list to five extremely qualified candidates. Someone then came up with a brilliant idea. They decided they would send one person to visit each institution where the five finalists were currently employed. On the sly, they would interview only the custodian, asking his opinion of the person seeking to be their president! The search committee commenced at once. And sure enough, one janitor gave such a glowing appraisal of the candidate that he was selected as the next President of St. Paul’s School of Theology!

I thought that was beautiful. What that search committee understood is that deep faith in Christ will transform all of a person’s relationships. He or she will no longer relate to others according to how much money they make, or how much power they have, or what prestige they carry. No. They treat custodians and presidents with equal respect and dignity.

In 2 Corinthians, chapter 5, Paul writes, “For the love of Christ urges us on, because we are convinced that one has died for all; therefore all have died.  And he died for all so that those who live might live no longer for themselves, but for him who died and was raised for them. From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view…”

May you and I regard no one from a human point of view, but instead with the eyes of Christ. And, may we remember that each person is a child of God and worthy of our respect and love.

Let us pray: We thank you, O God, that your love for us is unconditional. Help us to share that same kind of love with a world desperately in need. Wash over us with your grace and give us eyes to see the soul beneath the surface of those around us and the beauty and strength within. Amen.