Called to the Ones: A 5 Day Devotionalနမူနာ

Day 1: Eyes To See The Ones

The psalmist writes, “keep my eyes from worthless things” (119:37).

There are many worthless things that our eyes will be distracted by, but people will never be one of them.

A couple of years ago, I challenged myself to make eye contact and smile at people when I walked down the street and through the halls of my job. The reactions I received made me realize how uncomfortable it was for people to be seen. Some people quickly turned away while others were confused by my audacity to lock eyes with them. However, there were those who responded with a hesitant smile and a nod that revealed to me how good people felt to be seen.

In a day in age where we constantly see people through our screens, we’ve become desensitized to the reality of what it means to see the people who are right in front of us—while we are walking in our neighborhoods. In the grocery store. In our work place. In our schools. And dare I say in our churches.

When we take the time to make eye contact with people, we acknowledge their existence and their presence. We say “you are worthy,” without words.

The prayer is that we would lift our eyes away from our phones and let go of the disillusion that the people we see on the screens replace the need to see those right in front of us.

May God give us eyes to see, not just with our natural eyes but with the eyes of a faith that upholds them as the image bearers of our Gracious Father.

Eyes that push through societal labels that marginalize people.

Eyes that meet people where they are and love them through it.

Eyes that draw people closer and not push them away.

Eyes that open the door for conversation to hear the stories and the experiences that have shaped them.

Eyes that remind others they are worthy regardless of what’s happened to them.

Will you look up?

Prayer: Father, keep my eyes from seeing worthless things but lift my eyes to see Your image bearers whom You place on my path. Forgive me for being afraid to see people and dignify their worth. Help me see others the way You see them.