Lumped Together

Karen

Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.

—Philippians 4:5 NLT

I cringe at generalizations and stereotypes. Lumping an entire group of people into a confining box. Like “The __________ (nationality or race) are so __________ (bad character trait)” or “Those __________ (age group, gender, or economic level) all are so __________ (strange habit or behavior).” However, every once in a while, being lumped together can be quite the compliment.

Recently as I waited in line at a coffeehouse, a frail, elderly woman stood in front of me ordering a meal. She seemed distressed as she fumbled for her change, paid the worker, and then gathered up her bag of food and her drink. As she headed for the door, her large purse began swinging off of her shoulder, nearly knocking her and all of her lunch to the floor.

“Oh . . . how am I going to do this? Oh my . . . oh dear . . . I can’t . . . ,” she mumbled to herself, trying to shift her weight and her cargo while pushing open the door at the same time.

Though I’d just finally reached the front of the line, God used today’s verse to tap me on the heart and shift my momentary schedule. I quickly hopped out of line.

“Here, let me get that for you,” I said as I held the door open and steadied her drink. “Would you like me to carry your food to your car?” She stopped in her tracks, her bright blue eyes looking up at me with gratefulness. “Oh dear . . . you must have a grandmother still living that you’re so kind to an old woman.”

“No, ma’am, I don’t,” I answered. “I just love Jesus, and He wants me to help you.”

Her face softened. She shook her head and decidedly declared, “Of course! You people have always been so helpful to me. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

You people. I’m pretty sure she meant, “You Christians.” It made me wonder how other Christians had helped her. Did they take her a meal? Rake her yard in the fall or shovel her driveway in the winter? Had they driven her to a doctor’s appointment? It reminded me of the age-old truth: more is caught than taught. And it demonstrated to me that people are watching—and lumping.

What do others see in us? Do they see us being considerate in all we do? If people are watching and all they see are uncaring, condemning, or even combative Christians, why would they ever want to become one?

Let’s make it our prayer today that we, as Christ-followers, will be lumped in the “you people” group my new coffeehouse friend saw. Considerate Christians who make God and His body of believers look good.

People are watching. And lumping. What will they see in you?

Dear Lord, forgive me for the times when I choose condemnation over love or rudeness over kindness or decide to do nothing rather than do the right thing. Please prompt my heart and interrupt my momentary schedule so my actions accurately reflect who You are. In Jesus’ name, amen.

As you go about your day today, be on the lookout for someone you can bless with a thoughtful gesture, kind word, or good deed. When they thank you, give all the credit to the Lord. Write about your experience below.