WORTH VERSUS USEFULNESS

What determines the worth of a person and how is that different than their usefulness?

What happens when those to things are confused?

THE WORTH OF A SOUL

Something is worth what someone else is willing to pay for it.

The same can be said about the worth of a person.

In Christianity the price that was paid was the perfect life and blood of the Son of God.

In the Muslim faith it is taught that, “…. whoever kills a human being for other than manslaughter or corruption and mischief in the earth, it shall be as if he had killed all mankind, and whoever saves a life of one, it shall be as if he had saved the life of all mankind.” (Qur’an 5:32)

Hinduism and Jewish tradition teach that the soul is eternal.

Most would say, regardless of their religion, that each person carries the same worth or value, eternally.

HOW USEFUL ARE YOU?

Usefulness has an endless array of options and levels. It is determined by the purpose or motive of the user.

If the price someone else is willing to pay determines the worth of a soul then the need of someone else determines it’s usefulness.

This is why confusing the two can cause so much damage.

Needs are relative and can be very selfish. In fact, most needs are actually wants.

When a want is determined to be a need then people become objects. This does damage.

Consider those who identify you as useful or useless. This can and does influence who we seek to become and what we determine to do.

THE POWER OF CLARITY

When it is clear that worth is inherent and eternal in each person, then it is impossible for anyone to become an object used to satisfy a want.

In this place, each person’s desires and needs carry equal weight to your own.

This type of balance allows for relationship connections that express human value in it’s highest form and opens the door to capacity that edifies and enhances life.

When this is not clear then we see the depravities and barbarism of man.

SO WHAT?

The so what is simple and strong.

Recognize the individual, eternal worth of everyone, and you will become an object to no one. Nor will you make another, anything less than your equal.

In this space and in this place you will create instead of consume, build instead of destroy. This is where the greatest among us reside and where we can all find strength and joy.