How aware are you? Do you use your peripheral vision? Is your head on a swivel when you are in an unfamiliar area? Do you pick up on the subtle signs of another person? Do you recognize when they are angry, upset, hurt, or uncomfortable? Are your eyes open and observing?
Being aware can be a challenge. Yet, being aware can keep us out of trouble. Many of us will be a little more alert when we are in an unfamiliar area, especially if we are in a foreign country. Being observant can also clue us in on the feelings of someone else.
During my time in the Marine Corps, I was taught to be alert at all times. Being alert has saved me grief a few times. We were especially alert when we were deployed in a foreign country. We were made aware of local customs and culture. Even when we were at our home base, we were taught to be aware when going into town. It wasn’t paranoia, simply being alert and aware of what was going on around you.
The Apostle Paul tells the church in Rome to wake up and be aware. They were to understand that walking around oblivious to what was going on was not acceptable. They were followers of Jesus and were to be alert for those who would do them harm and recognize they were saved. They were to know their behavior did not just represent them but Jesus as well.
We, too, need to wake up. We need to let go of the mindset that we only represent ourselves. We represent Jesus in every moment of every day. There are people who want to see us fail. They want to point their finger at us and laugh at us for failing to live up to the standard. So, we need to wake up, recognize our situation, and choose to do our best to follow Jesus’s example.
I pray we all choose to wake up. I pray we decide to be alert and aware of our situation. I pray each one of us realizes we not only represent ourselves but represent Jesus every moment of every day. Wake up. Be alert. Be aware. Recognize your situation. Know that you represent Jesus.
Romans 13:11a Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is already the moment for you to wake from sleep.
Marty Pressey 