#soap # Ezekiel 15 ## Title: Everyone Has Value ## Scripture: (Ezekiel 15:5) “Indeed! If it was not made into anything useful when it was whole, how much less can it be made into anything when the fire has burned it up and it is charred?” (NET) ## Observation: I heard someone say once, “Everyone has value. Even if it is just to be a bad example.” This passage tells us that Jerusalem has so destroyed itself through idolatry that the Lord is going to have to destroy them. The text calls them fuel for the fire. We can see that they have become valuable to us only as an example of what NOT to do. There are two lessons here. First, always look for the lesson in every bad situation. Seek to be a student in all things. This helps us to learn from the mistakes of others. We will all make mistakes, but if we can avoid even one through the lessons of others, we will be blessed. The second is to not be in this spot. Strive to never be the bad example. Nothing good comes from this. You gain no respect or credibility by showing everyone else what not to do and who not to be. ## Application: Are you being a bad example? Where do you need to course-correct today? Are there any good examples you can learn from? ## Prayer: Thank You, Jesus, for surrounding us with people we can learn from, both good and bad.