Paying Attention

Luke 4:14-21

Yesterday I talked about one of the memories I had from my days in a different occupation. However, as I think about that job I held as a manager trainer I really don't think it's so much different from what I do now. I guide, teach, and help people in other ways to realize the goals which they have for themselves. Mentor, teacher, and friend are the requirements of any position within a company where the title "trainer" is given.

Then there's the other name, if you will. that goes along with that title; leader. Not so much "the one in charge who tells others what to do" but more the "everyone is going to watch and follow your examples" kind of leader. As the saying goes, leadership really is just the boat in front followed by all the other boats.

Today's passage brought back another memory from those days. I had just become a trainer and was attending what I believe was my very first executive meeting. In the meeting were vice-presidents of the company, district managers, and ranking officials of the training department. I don't recall the agenda, I don't recall much from 30 years ago, but I do remember the first time I noticed, actually recognized, what it meant to be listened to.

People were discussing something or another and I had something or another to add to the conversation. There must have been a dozen people in that room, all sitting around one of those big meeting tables, and when I began to speak everyone's head turned and all eyes focused on me. I remember stuttering just a little as I took in the fact that everyone in that room was paying attention to what I had to say. That was the first time I can remember being a part of something bigger than me. Needless to say it wasn't the last.

When we call ourselves Christians we invite people to pay attention to us. They will watch our actions and listen to our words and they will decide if the Christ you portray is the Christ they are looking for. As you go about your day today be aware of the things you say and do and ask yourself, "Am I being the Christ others are looking for?"