Is that even possible? Have you ever been to a museum and seen things that looked like garbage turned into art? I have. I have been to different museums and, upon seeing certain pieces, wondered, "What in the world? What kind of art is this?" Random things most of us would easily dispose of for lack of value are turned into something precious by someone who has vision and sees worth in apparently worthless things.
The truth is, nothing on this planet is truly worthless. "How?" you may ask. "The trash is worthless." But do you know that trash is recycled for other uses? Trash is even used to generate electricity.
Let’s talk about something else you may think is truly worthless but, in truth, has value: animal waste. What can one do with animal waste? Do you know that it is used as fertilizer and even fuel in some places? So you see, even the lowest and worst things you can think of can be put to good use. The main reason everything in this world has value is because God made it, and He made everything for a specific purpose.
The issue you and I may have is in not knowing how to bring that use out of them. You have heard stories about materials people thought had no worth until someone came along, spent time with the product, and tried different things until they found a way to make it useful. I have heard stories like this about John D. Rockefeller and how he thought of every possible way to make a profit and increase his business empire. Rockefeller didn't believe in such a thing as waste. In the oil refining process, crude oil yielded many byproducts. Gasoline, petroleum jelly, lubricants, tar etc.. At the time many of these things had no commercial value in the eyes of many. They used to throw Gasoline in the river because it was considered worthless. Can believe that ? Gasoline worthless. But Rockefeller invested in finding ways to make something out of them. Petroleum jelly evolved into Vaseline. Lubricants powered machinery and Gasoline is well a key product in the world. No such thing as waste .
In this fast-paced and impatient society of ours, how does one find beauty?
"A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies."
— Proverbs 31:10
Nowadays, I hear many complaints about how difficult it is to find a good wife or a good husband, but I think the issue lies in our understanding of how things work. We approach life with a consumer mindset rather than that of an artist or an entrepreneur. A wife of noble character is difficult to find because, like a ruby, one has to put in the time to dig deep beneath the surface of her flaws and life experiences to find the genuine beauty buried within.
Sometimes, the man or woman you thought had no value is seen later blossoming with someone else. Why? Because that someone else saw a glimpse of beauty in them, put in the necessary work, and brought a piece of art—worthy of the greatest museum—out of someone you previously thought was worthless. Now, you admire them and would pay any price to have them back.
The truth is that everyone on this planet has value, intrinsic worth, and glimpses of beauty. The problem is that, at times, they don't even recognize or cultivate it themselves. Because our society focuses so much on evil, people tend to focus on their own negative character traits, becoming like the environment around them instead of developing the beauty they possess—traits such as kindness, tenderness, and humility.
If you are willing to put in the time and invest in people, you will discover many precious gems and many priceless beauties. The person you see as impatient can learn patience. The cold hearted can become tender. The foolish can become wise. The unloving person can become the most loving. Are you to invest in the human project ?
God Himself is the greatest Artist. He sees value in every single one of us. Didn't the Lord create man out of the dust of the ground? He took something apparently worthless and made a king and queen out of it. The same God is able to bring beauty out of your broken life. He is able to bring beauty out of the ashes of your self-worth. God is in the business of making masterpieces out of wasted materials.
We can be like God in our encounters with others in the "school of art." Whether you are married, single, or otherwise, deal with people as a master artist would. Look for value in them; look for worth in them. Seek to develop their inner beauty to the best of your ability and make it shine. We can be coworkers with God in making this life more pleasurable and in restoring beauty to this desert of human suffering. A wasted life can become a current of electrical love to others if we are willing to be entrepreneurs in the business of restoration.
Let us strive to treat people as valuable and seek to bring true beauty out of their brokenness. Focus on the good and not the evil—on their strengths rather than their shortcomings.
As for you: focus on God and the beauty of His character. Pray to be like Him, and ask for the strength to be a shining light of beauty in the lives of those around you.
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