Your "Lens"

Reading from Jan.9, 2009
Gen.23,24; Luke 9

TOPIC: Perspective

SCRIPTURE: "When the apostles returned, they gave an account to Him of all that they had done. Taking them with Him, He withdrew by Himself to a city called Bethsaida.
BUT
the crowds were aware of this and followed Him;
and
welcoming them, He began speaking to them about the kingdom of God and curing those who had need of healing." (Luke 9:10-11)

OBSERVATION: Jesus was in the process of trying to get a little R&R by slipping quietly away from the crowds, BUT they found out where he was going and followed him. Instead of showing impatience at this interruption, we read that Jesus welcomed the people and ministered to their needs.


APPLICATION: How do you see people who interrupt your schedule - as nuisances or as the reason for your life and ministry?

I recently read this from John Maxwell's book Winning with People:

"Who you are determines the way you see people. You cannot separate your identity from your perspective. All that you are and every experience you've had color how you see others. It is your lens. Here's what I mean:

A traveler nearing a great city asked an old man seated by the road,
"What are the people like in the city?"

"What were they like where you came from?" the man asked.

"Horrible,"the traveler reported. "Mean, untrustworthy, detestable in all respects."

"Ah, " said the old man, "you will find them the same in they city ahead."


Scarcely had the 1st traveler gone on his way when another stopped to inquire about the people in the city before him.

Again the old man asked about the people in the place the traveler has just left.

"They were fine people: honest, industrious, and generous to a fault,"
declared the second traveler. "I was sorry to leave."

the old man responded, "That's exactly how you'll find the people here."


The way people see others is a reflection of themselves:
If I am a trusting person, I will see others as trustworthy.
If I am a critical person, I will see others as critical.
If I am a caring person, I will see others as compassionate.
If you change yourself and become the kind of person you desire to be,
you will begin to view others in a whole new light.
And that will change the way you interact in all of your relationships."

BE AWARE OF YOUR "LENS" TODAY
AS YOU INTERACT WITH OTHERS.

PRAYER: Father God, help me to see people as you do!