Take A Good Look

 “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”  - Philippians 2:4

While at our recent Church camp one of the speakers spoke on following the model, the model being Jesus.  We need to do what Jesus did:  See, Stop & Spend Time with people. I’m sure I can’t say it like he did but hopefully you will get the gist of things as I go along.

The first one was SEE.  We need to see people.  We need to notice people.  Do you know how many people feel invisible?   I have to say I am guilty of this one.  I can walk through a mall or down the street and not really pay much attention to what is going on or who is around me.  I tend to get into my own little zone and stay there.  I am not really a people kind of person, so it is easier (more comfortable) for me to just keep to myself.   He was saying that we need to notice people, we need to pay attention to who is around us.  People should not feel invisible when we are around.

The second one was to STOP.  Stop and take notice.  We need to call people by name.  We need to look them in the eye.  We need to be kind.  For example, when you go thru the grocery line and the cashier is ringing in your groceries, look at her nametag, look directly at her and call her by name.   You might be the 50th person of the day who has not even spoken to her or acknowledged her presence other than to take your money and bag your groceries.  She may feel invisible, like nobody even really sees her.  In reality, this is not a hard concept.  How hard is it to say, “Hello, Jane.”  A simple acknowledgement that she is not invisible and that someone noticed she was an actual person.  

The third one was to SPEND TIME with People.  Sometimes that time can be short, sometimes longer.  For example if you are in the grocery line you are limited as to the conversation length, but a simple “How are you today?”  can count as spending time with someone. 

It is a chance for that person to talk about their day possibly or to at the very least feel like someone is interested in them and not just about the job you want them to do.  I know many people who can just sit on a bench in the mall and have grand conversations with people. (I wish that was me, but I tend to run from talking to strangers…this is a struggle for me.)  I want to be better at making people not feel invisible.  I want to learn to follow the model, who is Jesus and be the kind of person that SEES people and STOPS from the busyness of life to SPEND TIME with them.  Sometimes I think people just need to know that there are people who care about how their day is going, or just need to be acknowledged and called by name.

Jesus did this over and over in the Bible.  He SAW a need.  He STOPPED.  He SPENT TIME with people.  He did many miracles and healings because He could see the need, stop, and spend time with these people.  He is the model to follow.  

We are busy.  Our lives often feel like we are in fast forward.  We need to be here, we have to go there, we cling to a tight schedule of work, home, family, etc… I think it’s important that we take the time to look around us.  Can we take time to see people who feel invisible?  Sometimes a smile and a “How are you today?” can make a person’s day.  I think we get caught up in our own lives, worries and problems and we just don’t see outside our own busyness.  

What do you think the world would be like if we all chose to SEE, STOP and SPEND TIME with each other?  What if we showed concern and care for someone who is at the end of their rope?  What if we are the only person throughout the day to show someone kindness?  What if we cared a little more?  God calls us to do good and to share.  Let’s share our time and show some interest in others.

Hebrews 13:16 says: “But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.”

So until I write again I encourage you to: Be Strong, Stand Firm and Believe in Miracles! 

Our God is a God of Miracles! 

Count Your Blessings…