By: Ted Camp, Silent Word Ministires

It seems this generation is passing to the next generation valuables, but not values. Compas-sion and love for others seem to be missing ingredients. Some are living for things, but the most valuable things in this world are not things, but people. Dr. Jerry Falwell often said, “God is only interested in people.” I also often state, “Don’t love things, love people.” Would you now pause and say aloud, “Don’t love things, love people.”

As you love things you will learn that things cannot return your love. Things are temporal and quickly fade. C.S. Lewis said, “Greed is an increasing desire for things that increasingly diminish.” We need to stop looking at what we have lost, and look at what we have left. What we have is enough. Every Christian should celebrate a special “Enough Day.”

We have enough. We need to learn that there is more to life than making a living. How do you want to be remembered? Everybody needs somebody to love them, including you. I feel the saddest word in the Bible is “alone” and the sweetest word is “together.”

You cannot place a valve on the kiss of a loved one, the hug of a child, the tenderness of a friend, the love a church family, or the touch of someone being “there” when needed. Everyone needs a special hug, a kind word, encouragement, and someone to care. “People don’t care what you know, until they know that you care.

Love does not seek to “get” but to “give.” “For God so loved the world that he gave...”(John 3:16). Learn to give more of your love to others. Show people that you care. Take time to express your love to your family and friends. William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army, was unable to attend a convention, but sent a telegram that contained only one word, “Others.”

Seek to think more of others and less of yourself. This week take time to send a card, a text, or make a call to someone who is on your heart. There is no substitute for the special touch of a hand, a time of shared tenderness, or a timely thoughtful moment. Seek to invest in others and the returns will be great.

You cannot change the past, but you can make the days ahead the best you have ever known. Once more say aloud, “Don’t love things, love people.” Do it! Make it a practice in your life. In the days ahead you will be glad you did, and so will your family, friends, and the Lord.

These are words of wisdom.

Ted Camp is director of Silent Word Ministries, a worldwide ministry to the deaf based in Trenton. E-mail him at TC@silentword.org to be added to the email list for weekly articles or phone (706) 657-8000.