Serve With Trust (8/1)

Serve With Trust – What defines you…

If you were able to see what others see when they look at you, what would you say defines you? We all have our own definition of what we think defines us, but in reality people define us a lot differently than we do ourselves because they look at us in an unbiased way and see what we are by what we say, wear and act. Actually we are being judged everyday by our actions and words, something most people don’t even think about.

Grandfather used to tell me that actions speak louder than words and all the sweet talk in the world could not hide the real me if my actions don’t match my words. Then he added “Be the true person you seek, everyone should see the same person.”

Pondering on that phrase – To be the same person to everyone you meet. I like to observe and listen to people, I guess from my psychology background, and I find it surprising just how some people present themselves differently depending on who they are talking to. I guess it’s because they want to present a good image of themselves. However, because of what they show to one person over what they show to another and then how their actions reflect a totally different image I don’t think they realize that most people can see through the facade they are pushing.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

Being the true person you seek requires you to be completely honest with yourself, something I see as being hard for some people. When Grandfather first told me that I said “How can I do that, I don’t even know who I am yet?” He responded “You are who you are so if you don’t know you best find out.” Well after many months of training, with Grandfather, I finally realized who I was and what I wanted in life.

I love life, animals, people and just about everything else in the world, and I have no qualms about telling someone I love you. I am the same person to everyone and I hope that is what people see in me. The bible teaches us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves, to take care of the animals and care for the earth. For all these things are gifts from God, who has given them to us in love for us to cherish and care for. God does not define our neighbors as those who are like us, rather He defines them as everyone else in the world.

Is that what defines me? I don’t know, but hope so. The animals seem to know, for they will let me approach them as if they have known me all their life. They seem to trust me and will let me help them when they are hurt or just need a little love. People seem to open up to me and want to talk about everything, so I guess they read something that says I can be trusted. Based on this I think love defines me and with that I say I am blessed. Nothing done in love is ever wasted.

But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. Jeremiah 17:7-8

What defines you? Can you open yourself up and take a close, honest look? The results could very well surprise you. Is this what people see in you? If it is not what you thought, then you should consider making some changes in your life.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Comments are welcome, so please do comment.

Love always,

Ed