Unimportant People
Unimportant to Who?
“Cause for Hope” soft pastel by Myra Alibrando
Almost Invisible People
Unimportant people are those who are nameless or have no rank. They are among us, but unnoticed. They have humble jobs and low pay. Maybe to us they are not so smart or witty, but I guarantee, their life is very important to them, and to a few others.
Many "unimportant people" will never be rich although they work hard to simply provide some basic necessities for their family. Many feel ashamed their best does so little. God sees them. Some are righteous, trusting God. Some do not trust God at all. But there are no fame or fortune requirements for God’s promises.
The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. Psalm 34:17
God Knows Exactly Who Belongs to Him
Neither wealth, fame, nation, or denomination gets you on good terms with God. But your motives are important to God. God knows exactly who is serving Him and who is not.
Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” 2 Timothy 2:19a
Shrinking Importance
While no person is unimportant to God, I do believe there are characteristics that can make a person less important, even if they are rich or famous. I think any of us shrink with things such as cowardice, dishonesty, or compromise. How can a great person be a person of betrayal, greed, impatience, and unforgiveness?
People who ignore others and mistreat others reap what they sow and get the karma they create. There are those who live against God who will soon be gone forever, while others become eternal royalty for millions of years, even though they were poor on earth. This is quite a contrast.
Our Treatment of the Unimportant is Our Treatment of Jesus?
What does Jesus mean by this next verse?
“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me" (Matthew 25:40).
Personally, I think that cuts both ways. Whatever you do good for the humble and unimportant, you do for Christ, but whatever you do evil to the least of people ... you also do to Jesus. Believe me, our acts are in God's database.
"Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done." Proverbs 19:17
More Important than Entire Nations
Surprisingly, the Bible says the nations are like a drop in the bucket. It's almost not normal to think of a poor person as important and a nation as unimportant, but we are talking about God's values.
Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket, and are accounted as the dust on the scales; behold, he takes up the coastlands like fine dust. Isaiah 40:15
'Potentially, there are no unimportant people if God loves us all. Jesus died for all of us, but only the faithful are adopted as heirs into royalty. The humble or “unimportant” are no less brothers and sisters.
I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.'" Acts 10:34-35
Do you see “the one” from every nation? Jesus died for every individual but not for countries.
Heroes, Rich or Poor
I have often seen the “unimportant people” whose care extends beyond their own family as they are kind to their neighbors and often share from the little they have with others in even greater need. This is not unnoticed by God and His promises stand.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty" (Luke 1:52-53)
Christians are “kind of” called to be the heroes of this world, at least to their family and whoever may be right in front of them. We are the salt of the earth. We are ambassadors for Christ.
We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:20
Religion Without Love
Angry with religious people who were fasting but who did nothing to alter the vast injustice all around them, God said this:
"Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? " Isaiah 58:6,7
To be important to God, we can aspire less to appear important, and instead realize that anyone rich or poor, can serve Him with a whole heart, daily enjoying His love and wonderful promises.
Sam, I wholeheartedly agree with the insights in "The Almost Invisible People." It strikes a chord, especially in my work as a research scientist. This piece reminds me that the significance of our actions often lies in their unseen impacts, much like the fundamental yet overlooked variables in my experiments. It challenges me to embrace humility and integrity, striving to acknowledge and elevate the unnoticed elements that contribute to broader scientific discoveries. I am motivated to apply this perspective, ensuring that my daily research practices reflect a respect for all contributions, regardless of their apparent magnitude. Thank you for this enriching read, Sam! I eagerly await the next article, anticipating more enlightening discussions that bridge our understanding of divinity and humanity.
“Cause for Hope” soft pastel by Myra Alibrando: Myra, your painting is truly a work of art! The way you've portrayed the sunset is absolutely breathtaking. The vibrant blend of orange, red, purple, and blue in the sky creates a sense of drama, yet it's so peaceful at the same time. I feel like I'm right there, witnessing the sun slowly setting, with its warm glow touching everything in sight.
What really captivates me is how you've brought depth to the clouds and made the reflection of the sky in the water below so mesmerizing. It's as if the scene is unfolding in two places at once, making it feel even more dynamic. The soft greens and reds of the grass and flowers add such a vibrant touch, giving the entire landscape life and energy.
The gentle light on the trees, illuminated by the sunset, ties everything together so beautifully. Your ability to capture both tranquility and movement in this piece is remarkable. Every time I look at it, I'm drawn into the calm, serene moment you've created.
Keep creating, Myra! Your art brings a unique light into the world. As Picasso once said, "Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life." Keep letting your art shine and inspire others with your gift.