Seeing People as Humans, Not Just Scenery or Machinery

Walking into Subway for a quick lunch, I was greeted with a big smile from the worker behind the counter.

“Just wait there, and I’ll help you when I’m finished with this order.”

As I placed my order, the usual small talk began.

“You have kids?” Daniel, the Subway worker, asked.

“Yes, four children and eight grandkids!” I responded.

Daniel grinned. “My ten-year-old son just texted me out of the blue: ‘You are like a gecko.’”

Laughing, I asked, “What else did he say?”

Daniel chuckled, looking a little sheepish. “He texted me: ‘You have a big head. I don’t know how your momma delivered you into the world!’”

At this, we both burst into full laughter. And honestly, his son had a point—at 6’2”, Daniel had a head that would require an XXL football helmet! But I could tell Daniel was waiting for a response, as if I might have some wisdom to offer after raising four kids.

“Well, you should tell him, ‘Thanks for noticing how smart I am. It takes a big head to contain all of this wisdom. BTW, I like geckos – what part of geckos do you like?’”

“Yes! I wish I were that witty to respond to him all of the time.”

A pause settled in the conversation before Daniel quietly added, “I had him when I was fifteen years old. He changed my life.”

I nodded. “Well, I can guarantee you this—there are few things you do in life that will outlast you. Raising children is one of those things. They are a blessing from God, whenever they come.”

His face lit up as if I had hit some electric button inside him.

“Yes! I am working three jobs right now, but I love taking care of him. Actually, I’m five years sober as of seven days ago.”

His words hit me. CONGRATULATIONS! Amidst a hearty applause, I could see how much this milestone meant to him. The conversation kept growing deeper, more personal, and more real.

As I left, I said, “Daniel, I can see a light in your eyes in the way you talk and interact with others. I am praying for you.”

“God bless you, brother. I’m going to pray for you too.”

Walking out of Subway, I felt lighter, encouraged. Here was a young man of 25, doing his best to follow God and care for his family. I now knew his name, his family situation, some of his struggles, and his victories. Most of all, he was human—just like me.

Are People Scenery, Machinery, or Humans?

This experience reminded me of the work of Polish anthropologist Alicja Iwańska, who studied farmers in the northwestern United States. She found that Americans, often unconsciously, categorize people into three groups:

1️⃣ Scenery – These are the people in the background of our lives. We see them but don’t interact—like farm laborers working in the fields or someone sitting alone in a coffee shop. They are part of the environment, much like the weather or landscape.

2️⃣ Machinery – These are people who serve a function in our day-to-day tasks—cashiers, delivery drivers, restaurant servers. We acknowledge them briefly, but primarily for what they do rather than who they are.

3️⃣ Humans – These are the people we genuinely know. We recognize their names, listen to their stories, and share parts of our lives with them. They are friends, family, and meaningful connections we make along the way.

Before my conversation with Daniel, he might have just been machinery to me—someone making my sub, taking my money, and handing me a sandwich. But by pausing, engaging, and listening, I got to see him for who he truly is—a father, a hard worker, a man of resilience and faith.

The Good Samaritan: Moving People into the Human Category

Thinking about the Good Samaritan story in Luke 10, I wonder if one of the greatest lessons is this: Move people out of the first two categories whenever you can.

The priest and the Levite walked past the injured man on the road, likely seeing him as scenery or machinery—someone who was simply there, but not their responsibility. But the Samaritan? He saw a human—someone to care for, to know, and to listen to.

How Do We Start Seeing People?

Not every interaction will lead to a deep conversation, but we can start listening more intentionally. Some practical ways to shift our perspective:

✅ Ask genuine questions. Instead of just small talk, go a little deeper. “What’s been the highlight of your week?” or “What’s something exciting going on in your life?”

✅ Learn people’s names. The simple act of remembering someone’s name shows that you see them as a person, not just a role.

✅ Slow down. In a world where we rush through transactions, taking an extra minute to engage can make all the difference.

✅ Acknowledge people’s stories. Whether it’s a co-worker, a neighbor, or a barista, listen when they share something personal. You never know the impact it may have.

Final Thoughts: A Challenge for You

I don’t always get into heartfelt conversations with Subway workers. But I’m listening more now. And sometimes, people let me in. The next thing I know, I'm the one being blessed by them.

So here’s the challenge: Who in your daily life are you seeing as scenery or machinery? How can you intentionally move them into the “human” category?

Maybe it starts with a name. Maybe it starts with a simple question. Maybe it starts with just noticing them.

Because when we see people, we reflect the heart of God. And that changes everything.

About the Author: Dr. Jay Moon, PhD, MBA, P.E. is a storyteller, strategist, and scholar with a passion for bridging faith, work, and mission. With 13 years as a SIM missionary in Ghana among the Builsa people, he has firsthand experience in church planting, water development, evangelism, and discipleship. Now a Professor of Evangelism & Church Planting at Asbury Theological Seminary, he also leads the Office of Faith, Work, and Economics, equipping leaders to integrate faith in everyday life.

A prolific author, Jay has written six books—including Intercultural Discipleship and Effective Intercultural Evangelism—and edited seven more. A sought-after speaker on church planting, marketplace mission, and evangelism, he has served as president of APM and GCRN and is the incoming president of AETE and ASM. 

Beyond academia, Jay thrives in hands-on creativity, from building treehouses and throwing axes to mentoring small business innovators—always looking for new ways to connect faith and action.