“But the voice spoke again: “Do not call something unclean if God has made it clean.”
–Acts 10:15 (NLT)

My wife likes to browse in the store for hours, while I am a five-minute shopper. Let me explain what I mean.

One day, I needed some new pants, so the sales clerk showed me a pair. I checked them out, saying, “They’re great.” “But you haven’t even tried them on!” said the clerk in surprise. But I took the pants anyway.

You can surely see the difference. My wife looks at things in great detail, while I give them a cursory nod. In our Christian walk, though, it can’t be the same way. It is important that we confine our shopping to malls and stores.

Jesus had a whole different orientation when it came to people. Instead of just offering a glance their way or viewing them at surface value, He went through their situations with them and looked upon each of them with compassion.

While engaged in Christian ministry, we often do what I call comparison shopping. When you shop for a commodity, it is only natural to compare items and prices. The problem is that we can do the same thing with people. Instead of seeing each person as valuable, we can see others as brands on a store shelf if we are not careful. Instead of viewing people as objects, we need to ask God for His wisdom and direction, and to give us more love in all of our dealings with each other.

Do you feel like you’ve been created, like an item? In writing this, I don’t want to do what I’m talking about and overlook you. I said that when Jesus was on Earth, He went through dilemmas that people face, and the Bible says He still does.

What are you going through today? Do you feel alone? Maybe you should follow this suggestion, which I consider essential. Instead of shopping when it comes to people, drop to your knees. Pour your heart out to a loving God, just as you would any friend.

The Bible says to cast all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you. In other words, you aren’t just another can of beans or pair of pants on the shelf. In God’s eyes, you are beyond valuable. John 3:16 tells us that God loved you so much that He gave His one and only son for you, because you are truly treasured. It goes on to say that if you believe in Him, you won’t perish but have everlasting life.
So instead of comparison shopping, drop to your knees, and find a love beyond compare.

Thank you for reading this, and may the Lord give you a wonderful week! We are trying to reach people who are hurting, so if God lays it on your heart, please consider becoming a partner with us. If you would like to make a donation, please visit www.hcmachaplains.org and click on the Donate Now link. You can also send donations by mail to HCMA (Healthcare Chaplains Ministry Association). Our ID number is 560. The address is 377 E. Chapman Ave., Suite 260, Placentia, CA 92870. Finally, you’re always welcome to join our Monday night Bible study or Tuesday night prayer meeting. Both are conducted by conference call, and they take place at 5:30 PM Arizona time. Our conference number is 712-775-7031, and our ID is 607518748. We hope to talk with you soon!

If you have questions, comments or prayer requests for Timothy or Stephanie Burdick, please call 507-369-6861.