People Watching

     I want to let you in on a little secret. YOU ARE BEING WATCHED! This very moment people are watching you; they are listening to what you say, they are paying close attention to your every move both in person and on social media and based on what they see and hear are forming opinions about you.  Most of us would say we really don’t care what people outside our circle think of us.  All that matters is what God, my spouse and the kids think. Though I appreciate that focused mindset it doesn’t change the fact that the actions people see in our lives and the words they hear us say (or see us post) influences them many times in a profound way.    

I remember seeing a commercial years ago (I think it was Liberty Mutual) that showed people helping others usually complete strangers, and as they would hold open that door, help pick up dropped books, or paid for someone’s coffee, the camera would capture in the background someone else watching them do these random acts of kindness who in turn would be prompted to help someone who crossed their path.  The commercial was inspiring first because we need more of this especially in our world today. With so much negativity going around it’s refreshing to hear and/or see people helping a total stranger without expecting anything in return.  Secondly, because it was a great example of the fact that people are watching and listening to us every day and we have a great opportunity to influence our families, friends and even strangers in a positive way.

To further prove my point that we really do watch each other, and form conclusions based on actions and words, let’s take a little association test.  I’m going to give you a list of names and you think about what first comes to your mind (feel free to share your thoughts in the comments).  I’ll include my answers at the bottom of the article.

1.      Billy Graham

2.      Michael Jordan

3.      Obi-Wan Kenobi

4.      Vladimir Putin

5.      Queen Elizabeth II

See what I’m saying? Just reading these names triggered a thought about each person. Maybe even a string of thoughts that led to a series of memories. Some led to joy, conviction, anger, or inspiration.  Regardless, what we witnessed in each of their lives has influenced us in some way.

There’s an interesting story in the Bible in the book of Acts that speaks to this thought, but first a little context. Jesus had recently been crucified on the cross, was buried, and rose again on the third day. He appeared to several eyewitnesses, gave some parting instructions, and ascended into heaven with the promise He would return again. After hearing His instructions, “Go and tell all the world about My love, baptize them signifying new life, and teach them how to live like Me”, the remaining disciples set out to do just that. Andy Stanley says, “If a man predicts his own death and resurrection and pulls it off, we should just go with whatever he says.”  That’s exactly what they were doing.  In the early days of carrying out their new mission there was a group of religious leaders watching them, listening to what they were saying, and how the people were responding. They consequently come to two conclusions: first, “they were unlearned and ignorant men.” My first thought would have been “how rude” followed by something about their moms being unlearned and ignorant. But after further investigation what they actually meant was that they lacked the formal education of the religious elite of their day.  They were ordinary men in every way.  Actually, they were formerly fisherman.  They probably sounded like fisherman, dressed like fisherman, and carried themselves like fisherman of that day.  However, they recognized something different in them. They had a boldness about them, they spoke with authority, and the people were moved by their words. It wasn’t their own boldness they possessed, or their own authority they spoke under there was something else that set them apart.  Second, they recognized that they had been with Jesus. They had compassion for people like Jesus did, they had the same boldness that Jesus did, and they spoke with the same authority.  There was no doubt that these men were close companions of Jesus, and He had clearly influenced their lives. 

What the religious leaders saw in those men that day “amazed them.” This thought inspires me. To think that I can be an ordinary man, be influenced by Jesus’ life, love like He did, show compassion like He did, and influence others the way these men did this day, I find that inspiring.  I also think when we show acts of kindness in our everyday lives and use our words (verbal and written) to encourage and build up, the world will be amazed.  Let’s live amazing lives!   

Key to above names:

1.      Billy Graham - An American evangelist who was among the most influential Christian leaders of the 20th century.

2.      Michael Jordan – Arguably the greatest NBA player of all time.

3.      Obi-Wan Kenobi – Hands down the greatest and most powerful Jedi Knight of all time.  Did you see that fight scene at the end of the Kenobi series!?!? WOW!

4.      Vladimir Putin – Currently the president of Russia.  That’s all I can say without being ugly.

5.      Queen Elizabeth II - Queen of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms from February 6, 1952 until her death in 2022.  “In a world of constant change, she was a steadying presence and a source of comfort and pride for generations of Britons.”