I remember promising myself that I wouldn't become one of those mums who constantly posted pictures and updates about their kids; that resolution was blown to pieces within the first 24 hours of Oskar being born. Most people are sweet about it and say they enjoy seeing what he's up to, but I know some people probably find it irritating. But that's ok- I still think he's pretty awesome. For me, it's photos of food that cause me to scroll through my newsfeed with mild contempt- usually because it makes my bowl of cheesy pasta look pretty lame.
However, the king of all loathed posts has to be the quote posts. Perhaps it's the derisive cynic in me, but I find these posts more cringe worthy than inspirational. What's worse is that these quotes are being churned out as cliche wall stickers for the home or being accompanied by a picture of a minion- but that is a whole other issue.
On the most part, these kind of posts just cause me to roll my eyes and snigger- and I do apologise to anyone who genuinely gleans warm fuzzies from this kind of stuff. Every now and then however, I find myself pausing as I scroll through the social media...and I feel disturbed. I am noticing that people are posting quotes that seem poetic or philisophical, but are in fact condeming, passive aggressive, and damaging. And it grieves me.
Since when do we decide if someone's worth it? And by what standards do we meausure the worth of another? By what we get in return? By how much someone indulges our selfish bent and appreciates how much we deserve to be adored? How disgustingly self absorbed!
Do we really believe that people are only 'worth it' when they recognise how much we're 'worth it'?
It's actually paradoxical; a subtle, deadly poison seeping into our hearts shaping the way we regard and treat others. Because someone doesn't reply to our texts, lets us down, speaks poorly about us, they are not worth knowing? No forgiveness, reconciliation or perspective?
And what about people who actually have nothing to offer? Who are passing through a dark season of life and are low on emotional and relational resources? Who have limited mirth, or wisdom or time to offer? You and I have been that person before. And to my complete shame, I have been the person to shun also.
Where would I be if my God regarded me in this same way? I would be without a saviour. What if he decided I wasn't worth it? I wouldn't have a redeeming cross to cling to. And neither would you. Is my sinful soul deserving of eternal life and glory? Are my selfish actions, critical and condeming attitude and damaging words worthy of receiving grace and abundant blessing from my creator? Yeah, didn't think so. And yet despite all this, Jesus showed I was worth it. And He died on a cross so I could receive it.
How can I not then extend this same grace to others? Offer frienships and kindness to people regardless of my gain. Yes, some efforts may go unrequited much like our relationship with Christ- and yet His goodness is abundant and his love is relentless. I grow wearisome, impatient and burdensome and yet God has never rejected me. I have nothing to offer him; no way of repaying Him and He accepted me anyway. My sentiment could be regarded as somewhat naive, and yet it is what christ calls us to do- 'love your neighbour as yourself.' Mark 12v31.
