DECEMBER 14 – KNOW YOUR PEOPLE

 If the people (where I send you) desire God’s blessing and peace, then His blessing will be theirs. If not, then accept their answer. If you stay, get to now the people well. Understand and participate with them in their daily life; you’ll earn your keep. Don’t jump around. Stay with your people and be content living life with them. (Luke 10:6-8)

                    Do you like the people God has given you? The question is not, “do you love…” because you may feel obligated. The Bible tells you to “love your neighbor…” But, some folks are easier to like than others. Sometimes, one or more of your people will be difficult. Often, the answer to their struggles is found in getting to know them and their situation better. Will you make the investment required to do that? Will you pay that cost of following?

                   Part of Jesus’ instruction here is simply, “get to know your people.” Attitudes, behavior, even emotional, physical, and spiritual health, are greatly influenced by the day-to-day circumstances of a person’s life. Jesus knows that you will have a far better chance of empathizing with a person and the challenges they face if you experience those challenges with them.

                   Take the time to pay attention to the circumstances of your people’s lives. Invest yourself fully in the work of knowing them.