B.J. Knefley

We live in a time when the celebration of material possessions has overshadowed the recognition of individuals. Their belongings and accomplishments frequently overshadow the significance of the person. However, neither truly honors the individual for who they are at their core, which connects to their inherent value and worth. 

Unfortunately, many people derive their worth from their achievements or social status. But is that enough? What happens when life changes? What occurs as they age or retire? Our entire identity can become entangled with our roles or possessions, leading us to feel lost or irrelevant when they are taken away. Being celebrated fulfills a fundamental need in everyone. When someone is celebrated, it affirms their value, worth, and significance.  

Unfortunately, as personal connections have been replaced by electronic interactions through social media, messaging, and sound bites, we have inadvertently distanced ourselves from the community that once provided us with a sense of value and belonging, substituting it with a virtual community. How did this happen, and what must we do to return to a place where we can recognize and celebrate the significance and worth of others? 

In my readings of the Gospels about Jesus Christ’s ministry, I notice He consistently celebrated people, particularly those marginalized in society. Is there something we can learn from this? When Jesus remarked that He did not come for the righteous but for the unrighteous, was He indicating a desire to connect with the “nobodies” rather than the “somebodies” of society? Could this be why people were drawn to Him? Did the feeling of being celebrated influence their response to His ministry? I believe it did. As a result, individuals felt loved and valued. What transformation could occur if we learned to celebrate others? Think about it.