Perceptions
It’s hard for me to fathom a pastor who would say something like, “I’ve got a bunch of losers in my church.” I suppose they are out there; I’m glad we don’t have one of them!
Let’s think about the axiom that the way we perceive people determines how we treat them… I’ll start off with a list of characters we’re familiar with: boss, homeless person, clerk with an attitude, insurance salesman, pastor, collections agent, company CEO, receptionist, professor, fast food clerk at the drive thru, etc. Based on our life experiences, sometimes it’s hard to get past the role to the person, right?
The show Undercover Boss is based partly on this premise. Although I’m not a regular watcher, I understand that the big moment comes when it’s revealed to the company workers that the new guy was actually the CEO. How did they treat him/her as just a co-worker?
Many a sociology experiment has been done on this theme… Dress up as a homeless person, put out a sign, and take notes on how people treat you.
Jesus came humbly. People didn’t expect the Messiah to be born in a stable, operate outside of the accepted religious structure, heal on the Sabbath, etc. The life of Jesus teaches me to look at people more carefully, and to treat them with the kindness and dignity of a fellow beloved creation of God.
I’m challenged to do this while I’m out shopping or at soccer practice; I’m challenged to do this at church. I can’t take a pass on treating someone with dignity and kindness. I love Neil’s closing: …we are called to perceive the Christlike nature in each other, believe in each other as saints, and build each other up.
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