Living a life of constant interruptions
Published 1:00 pm Thursday, February 16, 2023
We have a weekly bulletin that we print for our Sunday Services, and I put my cell phone number right on the front cover. I know many people think that’s a bit crazy to publish your personal phone number in a world where we have very little trust.
I’ve noticed that the people who have had the most impact in my life were the ones that were most available. Granted, I get a lot of calls. And guess what? I answer every single one unless I’m in a meeting, or I’m out of range or somewhere where I cannot answer. And truth be told, I can’t always get everything done on my “to do” list.
Here’s the point. It’ll be hard to be like Jesus if you don’t want to be available to people. It’s what Jesus did. Every day. His ministry lasted about three years, and he walked everywhere to be with the people. Jesus preached without modern communications or travel, and now, in contrast, we have the greatest communication on earth with internet, cell phones, etc. and we can be available to reach the entire world if we want to. We can exceed what Jesus did, maybe not by quality, but by quantity. If you don’t want to be with people, you’re going to hate heaven!
What’s more important to God than the people He created? If one of those people wants to talk to me, I want to be available. Perhaps this isn’t for you. That’s fine. Find something else you can do to connect with the people God made in His image. God says people are the purpose. It doesn’t matter whether our plans succeed or fail if the people around us don’t feel wanted. I had a pastor mentor that labored hard loving people, serving people and praying for people. You thought she had only you on her heart when she ministered to you.Loving people the way Jesus did means a life of constant interruptions.
Everything changes when we start to see interruptions as opportunities. We heal people when we show them they matter, when their well-being is our main concern. This isn’t hard to do. Sometimes all it takes is picking up the phone and saying hello. Be generous with your time and your presence and people will feel the love of Jesus.
Open your hearts, open your eyes, and open your doors to love the people you see every week. Love without measure.
