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.
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