Drawing Attention
Did you ever start doing something that seemed to draw the attention of others?
I recall various times pulling out my telescope while camping only to have it followed by visitors to my campsite and questions of interest! It's fun to find out that what you enjoy also draws in the attention of others. You get an opportunity to share something that is important to you while at the same time meet someone new. At times some even walked away from my campsite with a seed of interest in a subject that they didn't seem to have before they walked up.
However, I also recall washing my truck in my driveway on a beautiful fall day on time. I was listening to music only to have a frustrated neighbor shout for me to turn down the volume! I didn't recall it being very loud, and this was about noon so I don't think I was out of line; but regardless it certainly drew her attention! It created friction between us as the moment was a bit awkward.
Attention goes both ways.
When it comes to my walk with Christ, I often wonder the same. Does my walk interest people? Does it draw their attention to want to ask questions? Does the way I live make others curious about my faith?
Or perhaps, is it like an obtrusive noise to them? Does it bother them? Make them uncomfortable?
Don't mistake me, Truth should never be compromised or hidden; we don't have the Light so that we can hide It. Truth will always rub some the wrong way. After all, Jesus offended; yet more often He offended those that claimed to know God and walked a very different way. For those that had a need, for those that were curious, for those that had questions; He had the answers and lovingly shared them.
This passage reminds me of that interest; those that saw something in the living God, and wanted to follow those that knew Him.
While there will always be others that are repelled from His Truth, I simply need to reflect all I can of His love, forgiveness, mercy, servitude, etc. I think authenticity is easily seen, and the converse is true as well. I don't go camping and set up my telescope to draw attention, I do it because it's what I do, it's what I enjoy, and it's part of who I am.
If I simply walk His path, daily; I will be blessed with the opportunity from those that ask questions to share my greatest passion of all, and that is Christ Jesus.
May I continue to be as open and authentic about my love for Christ as I am about my hobbies.
His,
~Matt
I recall various times pulling out my telescope while camping only to have it followed by visitors to my campsite and questions of interest! It's fun to find out that what you enjoy also draws in the attention of others. You get an opportunity to share something that is important to you while at the same time meet someone new. At times some even walked away from my campsite with a seed of interest in a subject that they didn't seem to have before they walked up.
However, I also recall washing my truck in my driveway on a beautiful fall day on time. I was listening to music only to have a frustrated neighbor shout for me to turn down the volume! I didn't recall it being very loud, and this was about noon so I don't think I was out of line; but regardless it certainly drew her attention! It created friction between us as the moment was a bit awkward.
Attention goes both ways.
When it comes to my walk with Christ, I often wonder the same. Does my walk interest people? Does it draw their attention to want to ask questions? Does the way I live make others curious about my faith?
Or perhaps, is it like an obtrusive noise to them? Does it bother them? Make them uncomfortable?
Don't mistake me, Truth should never be compromised or hidden; we don't have the Light so that we can hide It. Truth will always rub some the wrong way. After all, Jesus offended; yet more often He offended those that claimed to know God and walked a very different way. For those that had a need, for those that were curious, for those that had questions; He had the answers and lovingly shared them.
Thus says the LORD of hosts: In those days ten men from the nations of every tongue shall take hold of the robe of a Jew, saying, ‘Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.’” (Zechariah 8:23 ESV)
This passage reminds me of that interest; those that saw something in the living God, and wanted to follow those that knew Him.
While there will always be others that are repelled from His Truth, I simply need to reflect all I can of His love, forgiveness, mercy, servitude, etc. I think authenticity is easily seen, and the converse is true as well. I don't go camping and set up my telescope to draw attention, I do it because it's what I do, it's what I enjoy, and it's part of who I am.
If I simply walk His path, daily; I will be blessed with the opportunity from those that ask questions to share my greatest passion of all, and that is Christ Jesus.
May I continue to be as open and authentic about my love for Christ as I am about my hobbies.
His,
~Matt
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