Seeing Someone

Truly Seeing People –

I had the opportunity to order something from a little cafe for lunch last week and I was shocked that the person ordering my food didn’t even once look at me. I caught myself doing the same thing not a few hours later. So I thought it would be a good idea to look at Christ and the time He spent just being available and open to people. But before we dive into that here’s a little background…

I can be so self-absorbed sometimes. I, as the oldest child and grandchild on both sides, made it known that I was important as the FIRST of the line. However, We (my brother’s and sister) also fought for it and with that cut throat attitude of fighting for attention I can really get on a self-absorbed run. Before I know it I’m standing there realizing that my husband/friend has been with me for over an hour and I really haven’t truly listened to what they were saying or even if I did, did I really care? How horrible of a person am I?! Please tell me that you know what I am talking about! Your so absorbed in your own thoughts or moment or task that you fail to really engage with the other person.

I recently had an example of this. My husband and I were talking about our own agenda and plans and big (to us) worries one day. Then, I got the mail. A letter had come through of an important nature, a phone call from a different person going though a really rough time was also phoned in minutes later. We both stepped back and had to evaluate our selfish focus. We then Praised God for what He is doing in our life! Stop worrying so much about your-self!

You know when you leave a meeting or luncheon and then you think “Oh MY! I talked all about me! They probably thing I am the worst, self-absorbed person to walk the earth.” Or maybe you realize you haven’t taken time to really look into the other persons eyes while they are talking.

I am always more aware of this in myself when I find someone who seems to be the opposite and really shows genuine interest and consideration. The openness of time and energy for others is such a shocker in a world of tablets and iPhones. That individual that really listens and you know they care can be such a breath of fresh air. It’s not in a condescending or judgmental way but I always feel convicted to make sure that my focus is outward.

It’s easy to get caught up in our own agenda, plans, worries and going ons. But what about all the others? What about the command to love your Neighbor as yourself? Am I doing this on a day in and day out basis? What am I doing in the world that doesn’t revolve around me?

Christ’s example and his whole life was about YOU! About saving you, equipping you, and loving you. Nothing he did was for himself! Now that is really thinking of others!!

The essence of following Jesus is self-denial not-self improvement. Its not enough to live for you. There is a greater purpose and it is loving people as Christ loves you! So are you being generious with your focus of others?

Philippians 2:5
5 Your attitude should be the kind that was shown us by Jesus Christ,

Luke 6:36
36 “Try to show as much compassion as your Father does.

Luke 6:27
27 “Listen, all of you. Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you.

1 Corinthians 16:13-14
13 Keep your eyes open for spiritual danger; stand true to the Lord; act like men; be strong; 14 and whatever you do, do it with kindness and love.

So today, I’m going to focus on keeping my eyes open for spiritual danger. The danger of self focus. Im going to love someone and use kindness for the benefit of not only their soul but mine. Will you look someone in the eye and really care about what they care about?