Human nature is a fickle thing. It is unreliable. Inconsistent. Deceptive.
The world teaches us to be self centered. Self involved. Selfish. It is all about me. What I want. What I need. My life.
And I am as guilty as anyone.
We are so wrapped up in our own lives. We forget to ask how someone else is doing. To give an encouraging word. To be a shoulder to lean on. To be available.
Instead, we pick up the phone in feigned concern. To talk about their troubles. Instead of reaching out. We gleefully sympathize with their misfortune, while having our nails done. Instead of reaching out. We can't wait to repeat a story of failure, passionately elaborating on the details. Often drawing our own conclusions. Adding a little extra spice to the gossip. Instead of reaching out.
Oh, have you heard about so and so....?
Some of us even thrive on that. We would much rather discuss someone behind their backs than trying to be there for them. Because that actually requires effort and time and investment.
We fail to notice when those that are meant to be closest to us are hurting or going through a tough time. Because we are so focused on ourselves. We manage to forget about our closest friends for days or weeks or months on end. Because we are so busy with our own lives.
So, we put on a brave face and pretend that nothing is wrong. We create a front for the world. Carefully constructing a smooth exterior. Glossing over anything that might expose the cracks below the surface. Because God forbid that we should share or open up. God forbid that our vulnerabilities and hurts should be exposed for everyone to see. That anyone should find out. That the world should know our realities. Our shame.
Humanity is a fragile thing. And our hearts hang in the balance.
Because... “God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16 NLT
On Sunday our pastor reminded us during the church sermon that next to loving God, the greatest commandment is to love your neighbor like yourself... (Matthew 22:36-40) This also seems to be the most difficult thing in the world.
So, on the exceptional occasion that you do meet someone that is different, it is a rare and beautiful thing. Someone that listens with patience and compassion. That responds in kindness. And operates in goodness.
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Galatians 5:22-23 NLT
Someone like that is a light shining in the darkness. That makes you want to get to know them. To spend time with them. To become more like them.
That is what it means to be a witness through the way that we live. To let your light shine through your life. Your every day actions and reactions. The way that you speak. And think. And see the world.
“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father." Matthew 5:14-16 NLT
The Message translation describes it beautifully: “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven."
So be different. Be the light in the darkness!
