I now know what an animal in a zoo exhibit feels like! The other day I thought I heard a little boy ask his mother if he could feed the American. I have mentioned a few times, that I am now living in the Philippines. Now that I have been here for a while, I forget when I go out, and am near my home, that I am not in America, so when someone stares at me, I start thinking Is my zipper down on my pants? Did I forget to shower and my hair is a mess?
The point is; I stand out! I’m noticed! It’s impossible for me to blend in. It happened again tonight, as I was walking down the street, to the convenient store. I smiled and sometimes I wave or say, “Hi.” I am conscious of the fact I am representing America. Some have actually told me that I am the first American they have ever seen in person.
This got me thinking, shouldn’t I have the same awareness about being a follower of Jesus Christ? Shouldn’t I be thinking What if I am the first Christian they have ever met in person? Or, I am representing God, and the Kingdom of Heaven. The truth is, it should be my nature and not a thought I have to keep in mind. And my response? Smile, wave, say “Hello”, be love. I know I mention this theme of being love often, but the first two commandments mention love, so it must be important to God.
- Love God, and put him first in our lives.
- Love others as we love ourselves. (And some of you really do love yourselves a lot, as do I sometimes!)
When you walk around being love, you’re being like God. “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” (1 JN. 4:8 NIV) Please stop trying to blend in, and rather, desire to be noticed!
Copyright © 2019 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.
brady, mark a. 