Pulpit & P
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Eyes are on our example faith as we ride escalator of life
Do you know the average American is recorded on camera around 240 times a week? That is over 37 times a day we are caught on CCTV, traffic cams, selfie pics, and background shots. That is impressive, amazing, and invasive to some…but the statistic that puts them all to shame is how many real eyes peer at us daily. There are those that look up to us, look to us, and depend on us.
Respect is having someone to look up to you, or you looking up to them. So many unsaid rules go into what it takes to be respected and to respect others. Who is it that looks up to you? Who do you look up to?
Respect is like an escalator; when you get on, there are always people to look up to and people that are looking up to you. As much as we think we may go unnoticed in our day-to-day, there are cameras, and more importantly, eyes and hearts that look to us without us realizing it.
Take a moment and ponder how the light of our faith is shining for those that look up to us. Are we a decent witness? Why do we respect those that we look towards for guidance? Are they patriarchs? Matriarchs? Natural born leaders? Are we? Are they one of those with a pleasant personalities? Are they giving of their time? Are they positive? Are they Christ-mirroring or Godly?
As we go on this escalator of life, remember Hebrews 13:7: “Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.”
Jesus warned the opposite of the Pharisees when he said to listen to them but do not copy their actions.
When someone looks to us for leadership, do they naturally want to imitate our faith? When we witness the testimony of another’s faith, may we always try to model that in our own lives.
Think about the heroes of your life who have been guiding lights in dark times, and think of those who may be looking for your light of faith in this season. Be thankful for them by sharing it with them, it just might be the uplifting they need.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer noted that the guards in his prison where he was captive thought he was well put together and a great witness of faith. However, in his journal, Dietrich remarked that he was flattered that on the outside he looked well, for on the inside he was falling apart — riddled with anxiety and confusion. Everyone is fighting a battle you know nothing about…so thank those whom you look up to, and encourage those you look up to.
— Travis Ball Parsons First Baptist Church
