I find it interesting when people don't know the names of staff members at school, particularly the janitors. After all, the janitors do have their names embroidered directly on their uniforms; all you really have to do is look at them or talk to them. But I suppose that's the problem: people don't take the time to talk to "lesser" people—like someone in a service-oriented job.
People don't take the time to talk to the homeless people in their cities, the grocery store clerks, the mailman. I'm definitely not exempt from this, of course. But I'm slowly learning that it's important to talk to all people—no matter what their status of life, career, or whatever. Why is this? Why is it so important to talk to all people?
The Bible says that everyone is important and loved by God (John 3:16; 1 John 2:2; Romans 5:8; Galatians 3:28). Not just your favorite teachers, not just your friends, not just your family—everyone. That includes your school janitors, the homeless, the grocery store clerks at your local Walmart, and the mailman. It includes your neighbor across the street, that kid walking his dog, the girl standing at the bus stop.
There is no "us vs. them," or at least, there shouldn't be. That's what makes everyone so important. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." If God has done this for the world, that means we are ALL important to Him. And if we're important enough for God to send Jesus to die for us, then all the people we encounter are important enough for us to learn their names and even to talk to them.
Why is it so important to engage people in conversation? Whether it's just a simple greeting or a full-on conversation wherein you learn their names and their story, your engagement creates opportunity for evangelism. People notice when you learn their names and when you show interest in their lives—especially if they have been overlooked in society. They notice when you're kind to them, and this allows you to share God's love and, perhaps later on, the story of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
I'm not saying you have to say "hello" to everyone you see and know the name of every single person ever; that's practically impossible. But it is important to be in the habit of talking to the people whom others overlook. It's important to realize that even if somebody doesn't seem that significant to you, God sees them as vastly significant—significant enough to sacrifice His Son for their souls.
Start small. That's what I did. Say hello to one of the janitors in the hallway today as you walk to class or to a club after school. When you're at the grocery store, ask the person ringing up your order how they are and actually listen, then wish them a good day as you are leaving. God calls us to love others. Jesus tells us in John 13:34-35, "A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so also you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another." Take notice of others in the world. Acknowledge them. See their value as God sees their value—that each person is worth dying for.
—Meagan
Meagan is a thriving 16-year old who spends most of her free time doing homework, baking, rehearsing for Choir, hanging out with friends, or on Tumblr. She's also working on a novel and an original music album. She's excited to use the love God's placed in her heart to spread His amazing grace to everyone she meets.
