You Really Do Matter
The universe lives and abides forever;
to meet each need, each creature is preserved.
All of them differ, one from another,
yet none of them has he made in vain. (Wisdom of Sirach 42:15–25)
The Revised Standard translates it as, “He made nothing incomplete.” The Jerusalem Bible renders this passage beautifully, “He has made nothing defective.” It’s like the old saying, “God don’t make no junk.”
We’d do well to remember this when we’re tempted to condemn people we don’t like, approve of, or understand. People are not defective. No one is. If you are a Bible believing Christian, it says so right there in scripture.
A person’s inherent worth is not dependent on anything other than the fact that they exist, and we all deserve to be treated as such.
I know I’ve been guilty of judging people and wondering what good are they. It’s probably safe to say we all have. Thankfully, plenty of people have treated me as someone who God has not made in vain. You can probably name people who have treated you with respect, dignity, and love too.
Consider this. You, and me, and every other person and thing that is have been called out of nothingness and been given being.
We’ve each been given the unique being that we are. This really does make everyone special. The Wisdom of Sirach says that we all differ, one from another. Your radical uniqueness is integral to the very existence of the universe.
Here’s one more life changing realization. We’ve been given our unique being in relationship with everyone and everything else that exists. There is no such thing as an isolated individual. Radical uniqueness and fundamental interdependence are foundational to existence.
Let me suggest three ways to put this into practice.
1. Think it to yourself often. Repeat something like a mantra. “God did not make them in vain. They are not defective.” Saying it internally helps us develop a new appreciation for all people, especially the “difficult” people in our lives.
2. Encourage people daily, “You were not made in vain. You are not defective. You have a purpose. God called you into being and you matter.” This practice can teach us how to love our neighbors, love our enemies, and lower the temperature of tensions people feel these days.
3. Believe this is true about yourself. “I am not defective.” Saying it over and over might be an uncomfortable practice for you, but it’s a remedy for self-loathing, pseudo-humility, and scrupulosity. This practice also opens occasions for gratitude. “Creator of all, thank you for not making anyone in vain, especially me.” It might be particularly healing to affirm to yourself when filled with self-doubt, experiencing failure, or wrestling with feelings of worthlessness: “God did not make me in vain.”
If you struggle with believing this truth about yourself or others, ask the Creator to help you see it and believe it. Then start with the people close to you and then broaden out. If you’d prefer to be adventurous, begin with someone you don’t like, appreciate, or understand. “Giver of all life, help me to appreciate this person I don’t understand. Help me to believe that they are not defective and that you did not make them in vain.”
None of this means condoning toxic or harmful behavior. Instead, it’s a practice that helps us recognize and value the fundamental human dignity of each person and could also be an actual life-saving word of encouragement someone needs to hear.
