The Paradigm Shift Series - People are Not Projects

People are not Projects. This is one of Ben’s favorites. We typically look at someone, analyze their situation, their problems, their needs, etc and then we do the worst thing possible. We try to “fix” them. Non-believers do not need “fixing.” Believers do not need “fixing.” They both need Jesus. Period and end of sentence.


Okay, end of sentence, but not end of paragraph. This one is easier written than done. It almost feels weird as a believer to not see the world around you and feel for them, knowing that they are missing out on the most important part of life. But that is not the shift here. Think of it this way. When you have had a hard day or a bad situation at work or school, it helps if you can talk about it. The thing that drives you crazy is after you have told your story, the person says, “here’s what you need to do.” They try to fix you. Frustrating right? Imagine being the person in the cube next to yours as work or in the seat next to you in class or the mom on the bench next to you at the park – these people have pain, hurt and holes in their lives that can only be filled with Jesus. But it is His job to fill those holes and heal them – not yours, not mine.

Try to shift and start seeing people as people. Nothing more. Love them. Serve them. Meet them where they are in life. This is what God asks of us and this is what they need. It also helps with belonging if everyone understands you do not have to be “fixed” to belong. Life is messy. Family is messy. And churches tend to hide this part for fear that the world around them will reject Jesus because of it. Please show us where it says that in Scripture?