Ignoring The Ratings

Ignoring the Ratings

A man with leprosy approached [Jesus] and knelt before him. “Lord,” the man said, “if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean.” Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” And instantly the leprosy disappeared. Matthew 8:2-3

Don’t let anyone rate you, stereotype you, or categorize you or anyone whom you love. A good friend of mine who is a college football coach believes that.

He is the head football coach at a major college and looks beyond all the hype and evaluations, categorizations, and rankings by the media and football talent rating services when recruiting. He doesn’t worry about trying to win “best in class” with a bunch of alleged “five-star recruits” who commit as juniors in high school. He’d prefer to wait until they develop and mature a bit more. When they become seniors, he can better evaluate them, not only as players but also as people. By waiting until they have continued to grow into the men they are becoming physically and emotionally, he is able to make better decisions. Then he can sign the guys he really wants, even if they aren’t as popular with the fans, media, or national rating services.

The leper who ran up to Jesus in today’s verses wouldn’t have been given much of a chance by the world’s standards in his day, or even ours. Such an outcast in biblical times might not even rate one star. Society considered lepers unclean. Isolated from the rest of the population, they had to keep their distance and shout, “Unclean!” to warn others when they approached.

But Christ saw this leper as a wonderful, valuable child of God. Rejected by the world, embraced by Christ. I even think this leper would have a chance to make it by my friend’s standards since he looks beyond the outward appearance to determine the kind of player a person is and can be.

Do you know people who feel valueless, worthless, like societal outcasts? Maybe it’s time to seek them out and offer help.

Uncommon Key > Don’t be swayed by how society rates others. Instead, consider that God sees people as His precious creations, made for His purposes. It will not only change your perspective but may inspire you to help empower them.