In my new job, I go in a lot of old buildings. The reason is to look for ways to make them look new and usable again. Some of them look almost beyond repair. Ceilings falling in, holes in the roofs. Broken windows and bricks missing. Some are filled with all kinds of junk/trash. Not to mention rats and other vermin. One I went through recently had a cat that walked through with me. Interesting.

Occasionally, I meet someone with some vision of what these buildings can be. You can see them get excited as they talk about the potential. I love people like that. People that can see so much more than what is actually there. People with enthusiasm about the possibilities. Most of the time, I can see their vision also. Once in a while, I am a little concerned with what they are thinking about biting off in a project. But, still, you have to love those who can see the potential.

Don’t you know this is the way God looks at us? So many times, the world sees us as flawed and broken. Sometimes, we have a tendency to look at people with eyes that don’t see the value in others. We want to be critical and judgmental of others who don’t look like us. Fortunately, God does not look at us like that. He looks at us like we are the best thing He ever created and He is so proud of us. He looks at us like a coach looks at a big, good-looking athlete, and his mouth begins to water as he diagrams plays in his brain.

God only sees our potential. He sees us as clay vessels that can be molded and made into whatever we need to be. He overlooks what we see as our flaws and waits to put muscle in our strengths in order for us to be used in a mighty way for Him and for our world. Wouldn’t it be great if we could see with God’s eyes when we look at others? Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could see the amazing potential in others?

What we know for sure is that God made each one of us with a plan and a purpose. Whether you are rich or poor, good-looking or not so much. Whether we are big or little, we all have a role to play in God’s kingdom and when we find our role in His work, we make a difference in the world in which we live. We have to do better with each other. We have to learn to, as my buddy Gale would say, squint and see what is actually there just waiting to be shined up and used.

Just like some of these old buildings that might look like they are in pretty sad shape, we all have potential. Open your mind and your heart to what God wants for your life. It will make a difference!

By: Gina Caswell Kelly