Be for people.

Today I take notice of two things. And please note, this is not some amazing, profound, life-changing observation I have made [smile].

We either like people or we don’t like people. [See, I warned you…simple thoughts today.]

I’ve not really ever met someone that I felt indifferent about. Sure, there are some people that I like better than others, but most of the time its pretty clear as to where I stand.

But today, I read something that really struck me as profound. I’m always so amazed at God’s word, how I can read the same thing a hundred times and feel differently about it each time.

“Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you’re on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute!” -Philippians 4:5 [MSG]

There is no doubt that there are days on this earth where we will feel like everyone is against us. We feel like others think our ideas suck, our motives are not pure, and that people don’t think we have what it takes to make something happen.

I have so been there.

But, today, I’m wondering if I have made other people feel this way?

My husband?

My friends?

My girls?

My neighbors?

Have people thought that I was against them because that line is so clear in my life?

Granted, I don’t think that God needs us or desires us to be BFF’s with everyone and their brother. But the culture of love, acceptance and grace is made very clear through the scriptures.

This thought that: “We should make it as clear as possible that we are on people’s side…” really has me challenged this morning.

What does that look like in my personal life?

I think 99% of it would revolve around the thought that:

It’s just not about us.

This is not a news flash to you or me, but this world is a cruel place. We will seemingly have more people who are against us than are for us. Even within the walls of the Church.

Jealousy, Envy, Judgments, and Conflict will all draw lines in our hearts.

Either I like you or I don’t like you.

But see, I’m not convinced today this verse has anything to do with our personal preferences.

I’m convinced its an attitude, a fresh perspective and a game-changing concept.

Making individuals still feel loved, accepted and desired…even if we don’t like them.

That is challenging.

If I want people who are far from God to feel like I am for them, no matter what, I’ve got to make that line crystal clear.

I am for you.

Practically, how does this look for me today?

1.For starters…many days I just need to keep my opinion to myself.

Grumbling about others? Draws a line to the opposite side: against you.

2. Maybe I need to pray through my judgments.

While I’m sure as a culture we have learned to keep our judgments a little more quite, I need to be careful about the judgments I make in my own heart.

Judging, draws a line: against you.

Even though we may never “speak” those judgments, it does something ugly to our hearts which eventually spills into our lives.

3. Try thinking thoughtfully and practically about others.

Imagine what its like walking in someone else’s shoes for a minute. Before we go making irrational thoughts about others, think about what their life could be like. We complicate our thoughts to much, keep it simple and practical.

All of scripture is summed up in this thought:

Love God, love your neighbor.

I agree, sometimes that is hard. But today I want to make a personal declaration that I want people to feel like I am for them, not against them. I want to create a culture of love, acceptance and truth in my circle of influence.

Then, as people far from God see this lived out…they too will be drawn to the heart of God.

What are some other ways we as culture can begin making those lines clear:  I am for you?