Can you imagine what a life we would have if every follower felt he was valued by his leader? Can you imagine what it would be like if every leader identified the value in his people?
Every person has a value. It is important for a leader to recognise the value of every single person. When you recognise people and know their real value, you will become a great leader. Valuable people are sometimes not recognised because they are unassuming. God often sends these valuable people into our lives in a disguise.
Three People Whose Value Was Revealed
1. The value of Ruth was worth more than seven sons.
?And he shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life, and a nourisher of thine old age: for thy daughter-in-law, which loveth thee, which is better to thee than seven sons, hath born him.? (Ruth 4:15)
2. The value of Elkanah was worth more than ten sons.
?Then said Elkanah her husband to her, Hannah, why weepest thou? And why eatest thou not? And why is thy heart grieved? Am not I better to thee than ten sons?? (1 Samuel 1:8)
3. The value of David was worth more than ten thousand ordinary Israelites.
?But the people answered, Thou shalt not go forth: for if we flee away, they will not care for us; neither if half of us die, will they care for us: but now thou art worth ten thousand of us: therefore now it is better that thou succour us out of the city.? (2 Samuel 18:3)
People are attracted to places where they are valued. Many organisations undervalue the people they have. Every person who feels undervalued will move away.
Every developed nation values its citizens. What you respect will come towards you.
What you attack will run away from you. People are the most valuable thing a leader has. A nation that attacks its leaders will be void of leaders. A nation that attacks its wealthy citizens will be poor, because all the rich people will run away to friendlier countries where wealth is not a hazard.
Why You Must Value People
1. Because people are more valuable than money: Invest in people financially and educationally. Remember that every good investment yields dividends. Pay people well and spend time teaching and training them.
2. Because people are more valuable than buildings: See them as gifts from God.
3. Because people are more valuable than computers: Try not to lose the people that God gives you. Do everything to prevent the loss of even one person. People can sense it when you value them.
?While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.? (John 17:12)
4. Because people are more valuable than cars: See people as being worth more to you than objects and projects. Jesus saw His followers as gifts from God.
?I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.? (John 17:6)
The Nation That Does Not Value Its Citizens
I know a country that does not value its doctors and that is why most of them have left that country. I know a country that does not value its nurses and that is why many of them have left, and are still leaving to seek greener pastures elsewhere. I know a country that does not value its leaders and that is why almost every one of her former presidents is dead. I know a country that does not value its churches and that is why the government can attack the church.
The Church That Values Its Members
If a country places more value on athletes and beauty queens than professionals and nation builders, do you think that these professionals and nation builders will be attracted to the nation?
If you are a leader of a church you must value the different types of people that are in your congregation. If you place value on them, then you will attract more of their kind and your church will grow. Leadership is the art of valuing people who are given to you. Be like Jesus and see your followers as gifts from above.
theaol@ymail.com
By Dag Heward-Mills
