Engaging Our Culture: July 14-Placing the Right Value on People

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2011 movie “Moneyball”

Bible Verse of the Day:

When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed stands here before the Lord.” ⁷ But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” ⁸ Then Jesse called Abinadab and had him pass in front of Samuel. But Samuel said, “The Lord has not chosen this one either.” ⁹ Jesse then had Shammah pass by, but Samuel said, “Nor has the Lord chosen this one.” ¹⁰ Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, “The Lord has not chosen these.” ¹¹ So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.” Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives,” 1 Samuel 16:6-11.

Biblical Connection:

The film Moneyball is a true story about the Oakland Athletics introducing analytics as a means of developing a Major League Baseball roster. Rather than simply relying on the eye test of power, size and speed, Billy Beane became the architect of this unconventional statistical approach. Today’s scene provides a different way of placing the right value on an individual player.

When the prophet Samuel went to anoint Israel’s next king, he was deceived just like baseball scouts who don’t value awkward techniques and unusual body types. Just before anointing the wrong person, God speaks to Samuel, revealing the importance of looking inside someone to see what’s in your heart. Jesus highlights this quality in Luke 6:43-45 which shapes who you become.

Closing Song:

The next time you’re tempted to judge someone by your first impression, make sure take a closer look. When you do, you might find someone with a broken heart or a real gem who is simply rough around the edges. Learn to value the right things by examining the heart and soul of your friends.

by Jay Mankus