Have you seen them? The Mutual of Omaha commercials surrounding their “Aha Moment” tour? I’ve seen several of them, and let me just say that they are spectacular bits of marketing, and more, shining moments for humanity. Here are a couple of my favorites:

Wonderful, aren’t they?

The reason I love these two, in particular, is because they boil down to the same point. People matter. They deserve respect regardless of circumstances, regardless of bad decisions or being down on their luck, their geographic location, or what they do or don’t do for a living. They deserve the hand of their fellow man to get back on their own two feet (not support indefinitely, because that does absolutely nothing for their self-respect), but the acknowledgement that they are every bit as human as we are, and there is very little that separates us, one from another.

You know, everywhere we look, there is a human created and loved enough by the Creator to lay down His life to save them.

Because He doesn’t see one iota of difference between a single one.

Because they all – ALL – matter to Him.

If we pay attention, I dare say things happen every single day that point to that fact, and should cause every one of us to take pause…every one of us to stop in our tracks as the lightbulb goes off, and we say “Aha! Aha, indeed.”

“I’ve told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature. This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you. This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends. You are my friends when you do the things I command you. I’m no longer calling you servants because servants don’t understand what their master is thinking and planning. No, I’ve named you friends because I’ve let you in on everything I’ve heard from the Father.” John 15:11-15 MSG

“Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, “How can I help?” Romans 15:1-2 MSG