"The Most Valuable Resource"

“The Most Valuable Resource”

 

As I was waiting to go on the entrance ramp to I-4 recently a semi turned onto the highway. That’s not unusual but what was painted on the back of my trailer caught my eye: “Our most valuable resource sits 63 feet ahead.” This means that they see their people (in this case, the driver) as of greater significance than anything else in their business. In a culture in which many companies put profit, prestige, and name recognition ahead of people this was refreshing to see. (Interestingly, while writing this I saw a TV commercial in which a terminated employee of a major corporation said he and others who had lost their jobs were required to train their foreign replacements or they wouldn’t receive severance benefits. Quite a contrast with the trucking firm cited above!)

We’re living in a day and age in which the human element is being lost as seen in the use of automation, robots, and even instant replay in sports. And research on driverless cars is growing (according to Wikipedia, this is “…a vehicle that is capable of sensing its environment and navigating without human input.”). While technology has advantages we all enjoy it also can have its down side when it comes to human value and dignity.

In contrast to what we see around us God always acts with people in mind. We are objects of His love (“I have loved you with an everlasting love….”—Jeremiah 31:3), beneficiaries of His plans (“I know the plans I have for you…plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”—Jeremiah 29:11), and recipients of His grace (“…The grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all [people].”—Titus 2:11). And our worth is seen further as Christ identified with us in His humanity (“The Word became flesh and lived…among us.”—John 1:14).

As we consider these blessings there’s no question that we’re God’s most important resource. And because we are He’s entrusted us with His most important task: “…You will be my witnesses….” (Acts 1:8). We must do it—nothing else will or can.

Blessings!

Jim McMillan