How We See Others

I came across another angle to the thought that we delved into yesterday in the blog.  In case you missed it, I talked about the verses in James 1:22-25 where Pastor James talks about using the mirror of the Word to see the true image of yourself.  This morning, in the course of my personal study in the Word, I came upon 2 Corinthians 5:16 where the Apostle Paul encourages his readers to be “careful not to judge people by what thy seem to be…”  (Contemporary English Version).  To me, Paul is telling us that we also need to look upon other believers in the same way that God wants us to see ourselves, as reflected through the mirror of His Word.

One of the tasks that I performed in the various management positions that I’ve held over the years (in both business and church) was that of interviewing potential new employees (or volunteers).  In the process of time and experience, I realized that I could learn almost more about the individual from what wasn’t said on their resume or in answer to the specific questions asked during the interview.  As an introduction to the actual job discussion I would engage the individual in a friendly conversation talking about family, friends, hobbies, interests and so on, in order to break the ice and help the interviewee to relax.  I never allowed the interview to be a rushed process.  Many times the REAL person on the inside would come out as we chatted, laughed and sought to get to know each other.  These moments would help to give me an insight into the person’s integrity, attitude and team work.

This is similar to how we should relate to our fellow brothers and sister in the Lord, before we make a personal consideration as to who they really are.  At times we need to pursue the conversation long enough for the person on the inside, the one that Jesus has recreated, to emerge!  First impressions are not always the best source of information to make decisions by.  Society has trained us to put up all kinds of personal defenses in order to protect ourselves from being hurt.  As Christians we should work with the abilities that God has given us so as to see others through the love of Christ before we make up our minds.  (See II Timothy 1:7) This is actually true with anyone we come into to contact with, be they believers or not. 

Gee, it sounds like I back to teaching classes on teamwork!  Well, as they say, “if the shoe fits, wear it!”  Have a great day.  Stay tuned and keep asking yourself… “What am I expecting today?”