What are We Worth?

Following Joel (in his wheelchair) down the hall at Sister Kenny last week, I met three other folks in wheelchairs as we made our way to the Therapy Gym.  In the waiting room, several patients with various levels of disability anticipated the arrival of their therapists to begin the session.  Most of them have greater capabilities than Joel at this point.  They strive to sit up, stand alone, or walk without a cane; he tries to roll himself over or stand with the help of two therapists.  But it struck me that all these levels of effort are worthwhile.  Most of us take our ability to work for granted, while at the same time scorning those whose lives are "unproductive."  We subtly devalue people, whether disabled, young, old or in certain jobs, who don't contribute things we find valuable.  And we definitely elevate people whose work benefits us.  Think rock stars or Bill Gates.

I've always believed in my head that each person, regardless of ability, is created by God in His image, redeemed by Christ on the cross, and infinitely valuable.  This situation is helping that belief to travel to my heart.  Joel's activities of eating, exercising, resting and recovering benefit himself primarily, but they also advance God's Kingdom by bringing order out of chaos and overcoming evil with good.  Perhaps some invalids can "only" pray; that advances God's Kingdom as well.  A few individuals might lie in a hospital bed in a coma, or unable even to pray (as Joel did for several weeks); Jesus died for each of them and loves each of them just as much as He loves President Obama or Pope Francis.  Their continued existence may thwart Satan's evil designs.  I believe:  Lord, help my unbelief!