Last week I discussed the need for honoring people. A little man in Scripture (Luke 19) remains the “poster child.”
Zacchaeus’ wounded heart and broken spirit were made glad by the Man from Galilee, who saw beyond his sordid reputation to his significance as a human being made in the image of God. Sin tarnishes our self-image; the grace of Jesus targets our innate significance. The Scriptures tell us that “There is none righteous, no, not one” (Romans 3:10). We understand this; however, I’m not talking about our righteous. I’m referring to our significance – our meaning or purpose. Significance refers to the potential of our personhood.
All of us were created by God “to matter.” We are important in our own right, and we are placed upon this earth to help usher in God’s kingdom. Insignificance, dishonor and disrespect all kill our divine potential and rob us of an abundant life. Rob a man of his significance and you potentially keep him in a self-made prison of anger, unbelief and low-living. Many people sit in churches week after week feeling they are undeserving of God’s grace. When people realize their true significance in God’s eyes, conversions accelerate. When we honor the unique personhood of all who enter our doors, we see God open their hearts to receive the goodness of God and His salvation. Honoring people helps take their eyes off their sin and place them on the Savior. The Spirit more easily convicts of sin when individuals feel that God loves them despite their behavior. Significance always trumps shame and inner turmoil.
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