THE LEAST OF THESE

Today I experienced and beautiful and sobering sight. I helped with a community program called Adapted BasebALL. The emphasis is on ALL, meaning that the game is adapted to meet the needs of every player. Each of the players receives a uniform and is assigned to a team, but no score is kept, there are no strike outs and no walks, and everyone is encouraged and built up to have fun and play to the best of his or her own level. Some are in wheelchairs, some have mental limitations, and some have physical impairments. But all can play, according to their ability.

What is sobering about the program is this: These young people are all made in the image of God, and are as worthy of attention and encouragement as any. Almost all had a "buddy," usually a parent. These able-bodied adults were there for a single purpose: to help them do their best and enjoy the game. It is a picture of what the body of Christ should look like. All are valuable. There is no Most Valuable Player, no place for comparative worth, for all have value, and all have worth. In fact, those members with special needs receive more attention, because they need it.

If we can be so generous with something that doesn't really count eternally, why can't we be consistent in believing that what the Bible says about the value of human life is true? A person with an I.Q. of 48 is not worth one-third the value of a person with an I.Q. of 144. And a person with two strong legs is not worth twice as much as a person with none. In the church, the person who is "barely a believer," and "ungifted" or "unanointed" is worth as much as the gifted and anointed person. We all need love, we all need a listening ear, and we all need Jesus. No one is more worthy than another.

"LORD, thank You for the reminder today. Help me to live my life tomorrow and beyond (should You will it) as if every person I see is worth my attention and love and affection and care. Love them through me, the little children, the old people, the family members, and the seekers. Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. I ask it in the name of the Good Shepherd, who said, 'Let the little children come unto Me, and do not hinder them, for of such is the Kingdom of heaven.' Amen."
-ker