THE PRACTICE OF PAYING ATTENTION TO PEOPLE

Friday, September 03, 2010

He sits in the same place everyday. He smells. He coughs. He spits. That's all. He just sits there.

She talks on her cell phone as if the listener was in the room with her. She is loud. She is obnoxious.

He honks at you and then gives you "the finger." You wonder why.

He listens to music so loud that it leaks from his headphones

She hugs your bumper so close that you dare not touch your brakes.

You are trying to eat a quiet lunch in peace and he sits at a table across from you spewing out vulgar language. Some words you have never heard before.

Many human beings rarely do things the way I think they should do them. They "bug" me.

But all these people are precious in the sight of God the same way I am.

He died for them the same way he did for me. (John 3:16)

Jesus said the greatest commandment is to love God with all your heart, soul and mind and the second greatest commandment is to love your neighbor as yourself. (Matthew 22:37).

Every person is dealing with something. Every person is in the middle of their own scene.

I don't know why they act the way they do--but God does. Most of the time I'm not paying that much attention to them. I'm thinking about me.

God is paying attention! People are precious to him!

29 comments:

Elizabeth Dianne said...

Well, you could have stepped on just my little pinkie but you had to go and smash all of them--smile!

Great, great post Clif and I am taking it to heart.

I see the heart of God in you.

Blessings,
Dianne

Anonymous said...

Well said! What a thought provoking post, Clif. Thank you and God bless.

Charlotte/For Such A Time As This said...

That is so true...people are in the middle of their own scene. We all think about ourselves more than anyone else, it's hard to be selfless...impossible without Jesus. I'm so glad God is love, and He can love people through us, even those who bug us:)

Debbie said...

This was a GREAT post and one I have given quite a bit of thought to myself recently. In some ways it seems like such an easy thing, and yet in other ways it just sums it all up to what it is us Christians are to be doing. Love God above all else and others as ourselves. What you said..."Every person is dealing with something. Every person is in the middle of their own scene." Really is sooo true and what we truly need to remember. Have a wonderful holiday week-end. Blessings, Debbie

Joan Hall said...

Well, Clif first Charlotte's post, now yours. Both have given me much to ponder upon. This is certain to step on some toes today - mine included. :) I too am often more concerned about myself when I need to pay attention to people - they need Jesus too.

Blessings,
Joan

Janet Benlien Reeves said...

Thanks for the reminder. It's all about grace, isn't it?

Mevely317 said...

Once again, Clif, you grabbed my attention at the title bar!
This reminds me of a lovely little poem's ending:

How'd all these sinners get up here? God must've made a mistake.
And why is everyone so quiet, so somber? - Give me a clue.
Hush, child, He said, They're all in shock. No one thought they'd be seeing you!

Cindy Adkins said...

Great post, Clif...He really is paying attention and knows us all! I'm so glad that you could see the picture on my blog--I was so surprised!
Have a great weekend!
Cindy

Virginia said...

Cliff, I posted about those same commandments in my post for today….
So I whole-heartedly agree with you
Sweet blessing,
Virginia

Lori Heyd said...

Love this post! When I think of Jesus great love for humanity, it just awes me, sometimes people can be very unlovable, me included! thank you....Lori

Loren said...

I just love it soo much when I see a "theme" in the SS posts. This week it appears as though God is speaking clearly on HIS unconditional LOVE. Isn't it so exciting how HE can get HIS message across in so many various ways through so many different people in so many different States!!?? It just EXCITES ME!!

Your post is so VERY TRUE! Everyone has a story and ONLY God knows the depths of the why's & how's! We are all "Precious in HIS sight" & Knowing this brings such JOY! Praying we can See others through the Eyes Of Christ is something I ask for alot :) because on my own....well, it's just not nice! LOL

Thank you for sharing such a wonderful thought provoking post today! God is using you even though you aren't in a pulpit preaching ~ you are still teaching and sharing HIS ways!! Thank you for listening and paying attention to HIM!!!

I love and appreciate YOU so very much!!

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

This is a great post, Clif! This is something my hubby and I always try to remember; that everyone has a story and Jesus loves them. Not always easy, but we do try! Thanks for sharing a thought-provoking post.

Blessings,
Sandi

Renee said...

Very thoughtful post, Clif. Yes, Jesus loves everyone and because He lives in us we are able to do the same...one prayer at a time...Thank you.

Karen said...

Just today I wondered aloud why a fellow-church goer seems so unfriendly. I was told that she has been through four major life crises in a short time. We never know a person's story.

LivingSoAbundantly said...

Very thought-provoking! It reminds me of the song by Brandon Heath "Give Me Your Eyes." This is exactly what I needed to read. Thank you!

Nikki (Sarah) said...

Your so right on Cliff...everyone has a story...a story about why they are the way they are and the amazing thing to me is that He loves like no one else can. And His love changes who us. That's the best. Happy Sunday. ☺

Ginger~~Enchanting Cottage said...

Working in the public I often think to myself , OK Lord I know you love this person just as much as you love me so I will try to treat them like he would want me to. It's not always easy.
God Bless,
Ginger

Dontmissyoursunsetlady said...

Mr. Cliff,

If we all lived out what is reflected in your post, it would be a better world! This is beautiful and true! What is your wife's blog, I lost it somehow. Thanks!

Ruth said...

oh i love this post. what a reminder i needed it hear so bad! Thank you!!
Blessings,
Ruth

Sr Crystal Mary Lindsey said...

Hello Clif, it is so true,God loves everyone. I suppose others look at me and think I am a dizzy blond, no matter, I am LOL..
But seriously, you can never tell a book by its cover, can you? I sat alone in MacDonalds one day and an elderly gentleman at the next table, started talking to me. He was shabbily dressed but we soon got into an amazing conversation all about Easter Island. He told me he was a retired professor which I believed from his articulate speech. We talked for about two hours before I had to leave. That was years ago and I have never forgotten him.

Country Wings in Phoenix said...

Good Morning Clif...
Another beautiful share this morning. We are precious in his site.

Lately I too have noticed more of the true sides of people. When you get sick you find out who your true friends really are. Especially when that sickness changes your outward appearance. They no longer see your heart, just that you have changed.

You have shared a beautiful message Clif. Thank you this morning.

Have a great week. (I remember to bless these people that we see that do all the things listed above. They so need it.) Makes me wonder even more what their home lives are like.

Country hugs, Sherry

INSIDE THE SHRINK said...

Isn't it strange that other people look like they aren't having any problems at all, like they are just living life with no hassles? We never know what that "annoying" person has going on. More than likely it's more serious than anything you or I might be experiencing. Thank you, Clif, for calling my attention to attend to others with greater discernment and sensitivity and not be so wrapped up in my own cares. God bless and thank you for all your kind and encouraging words to me.

michelle said...

gosh you put that so well! thanks for stopping by friend! =)

Cassiopeia said...

So well said! We need to show the same mercy and patience that we want others to show us, and that God does show us.

Kudos.

Unknown said...

I have often struggled with this myself. God surely loves the unlovely, and passing them by I can be kind, but when they are someone I see often it is more difficult.

I try to remind myself that if we are blessed to know Christ and the way we should behave in obedience to Him, than surely I should be more patient. Praying for them instead.

You are so right, we don't know what they are going through. So lovely to meet you.

Karen

Carrie said...

A great post! It speaks louder than you know!
Carrie

Dayle ~ A Collection of Days said...

Though His eyes of love ...

Cathy said...

Thanks for sharing those thoughts, Clif. Blessings ~

Unknown said...

Hi Clif...

I remember a former Pastor of mine preaching that there are no accidents. On the following Sunday, he shared about an obnoxious person who was messing up his First Class flight assignment. Apparently, he/she would not stop talking. He proceeded to make jokes about his experience.

Well, I had remembered the previous week's sermon and I approached him after church. I asked him if it was an accident that he was seated next to that person. He became very quiet.

Although the enemy will use people to frustrate us, God is always allowing it for one reason or many... You are so right that that we need to — more and more — see people from God's perspective.

Also, I love the encouragement you gave Ginger at The Enchanting Cottage!

Hugs, KJ