Find People
The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, "Look, the Lamb of God!"
When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, "What do you want?"
They said, "Rabbi" (which means "Teacher"), "where are you staying?"
"Come," he replied, "and you will see."
So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon.
Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. John 1:35-40
As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will send you out to fish for people." At once they left their nets and followed him. Matthew 4:18-20
Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will fish for people." So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him. Luke 5:10-11
INSIGHT
Just in case anyone is wondering, it is indeed possible to be a proud father while at the same time experiencing feelings of guilt. Let me take a moment to explain. My oldest daughter, Madison, is 17, and, at times, she has a better grasp of the Gospel than her old man.
Since she was very young, my wife and I have tried to instill a loving and compassionate heart in Madison. I've told her to look out for others, include rather than exclude, and above all else, do her best to extend love to everyone. While she has taken that message of God's love and run with it, if I'm honest, at times it is just lip service for me.
A few years back, while Madison was in elementary school, a boy was teased and bullied in her class. He was socially awkward, had a rough family life, and suffered from some learning disabilities. Even though the crowd encouraged her to avoid this young boy, Madison reached out. She made sure his desk was clean, helped him with homework, and volunteered to be his project partner. Madison would include him in conversations at the lunch table, ask him how he was doing, and laugh with him. While the rest of her class ignored him, Madison, through her actions and her words, showed this young boy that he mattered.
A 4th grader understood an important principle that should define our church: people matter to God, so they matter to us. The effects of the Gospel must ultimately cause us to see people differently. We've got to rid ourselves of the "us vs. them" mentality. We can't see people as projects. It's not about winning arguments either. We are not right, smug, or better, but loved and forgiven solely through God's grace. It is the love of Christ that must fuel our passion for others.
The invitation Jesus extends to His first disciples is the same one He offers us today - to come and see His love as well as be His hands and feet in this world. Found people find people. We should care so deeply about the hope found in the love of Christ that it moves us to action.
Our reach as a church is a function of each person's reach. Without everyone engaged, we'll never reach our full potential. We all need to take a chance and move into the lives of others. We must possess the courage to have conversations and extend an invitation for people to experience what God is doing in our neighborhoods, cities, and the world. But, here's the thing. You are already making an impression. Everybody is leading somebody, somewhere. None of us are merely standing by.
Each morning you wake up and go about your business interacting with others. In these interactions, you influence people and point them in a direction. Through your actions and your words, you are leading individuals. Whether it's your family, co‐workers, neighbors, or random encounters, you influence individuals through how you live your life.
Stop for a moment and ponder where you are leading them. What do people see through the way you live your life? Whether it is fair or not, when people picture our church, they think of you. Everything you do matters in God's Kingdom. Live in such a way that demands respect. God has you right where He wants you.
All around you are people who are desperate for meaning in their life. They need a safe place to hear a dangerous message. These individuals want nothing more than to hear there is a God full of grace and mercy who desires to be in a relationship with them. Their stories are yet to be told. All it takes is one person to extend a hand and say, "come with me and hear a message of a loving God."
REFLECTION
Take some time to list the people within your reach (family, friends, coworkers, etc.). What would it look like for you to move in their world and steward the influence you have at your disposal?
Think about the people that you just wrote down. Based on your actions and words, if these people followed you, where would they end up?
PRAYER
God, albeit an imperfect reflection, I desire to love others in ways that point people to You. Let me not lose sight of the message I carry everywhere I go. Let me not forget the influence You ask me to steward. May I pursue redemptive relationships because I know I've been redeemed by You. In Your name, Jesus. Amen.