We live in a world that values productivity, independence, and ability. When people do not readily fit these values, it can become difficult to understand what place they have in our communities or what they can contribute. This difficulty can easily lead to people being excluded. This is particularly true for people with disabilities. Even Christians can quietly absorb these cultural values without realising the impact they can have on others.

These values of productivity, independence, and ability make sense if all we have is the here and now. But we know from the resurrection that this is not the case. This life is not ultimate. As Paul writes, “If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied” (1 Cor 15:19). Believers belong to a greater glory, including believers with disabilities. The present world is temporary and passing away (1 Jn 2:17). The resurrection therefore changes the standards by which human life is measured.

People with intellectual disabilities are often valued according to their cognitive ability — their capacity to reason, communicate, or contribute intellectually. In a society that prizes intelligence and independence, their lives can be quietly devalued.

But the resurrection reminds us that a person’s ultimate worth is not grounded in intellectual capacity but in their relationship with Christ.

A person with an intellectual disability may not be able to articulate theology, lead a ministry, or contribute to church life in the ways we expect. Yet they may still display profound trust, joy, dependence, and affection — qualities that Scripture consistently associates with the kingdom of God.

In the resurrection, their place in Christ is not secondary. They are not waiting to become “fully themselves” one day. Even now they belong to the same future glory as every other believer.

People with sensory disabilities — such as blindness, deafness, or speech impairments — often navigate a world designed primarily for others. Communication barriers, inaccessible environments, and social awkwardness can easily lead to isolation.

Yet the resurrection assures us that the future of humanity is not defined by what we currently lack but by the glory that God will reveal.

The church therefore relates to people with sensory disabilities not as problems to be solved, but as fellow heirs of the same resurrection life. Their presence invites the community of faith to learn new forms of patience, communication, and attentiveness — practices that reflect the character of Christ himself.

Because of the resurrection, we do not evaluate people according to the standards of this world (1 Cor 5:16). Instead, we recognise that every believer — regardless of ability or disability — is destined for glory. The resurrection reminds us that people are not defined by what they can do today, but by who they are in Christ and the glory we will all share with him.

If Christ has defeated death and promised a future glory to his people, then the church must learn to value people not according to present ability, but according to their place in Christ.