Being noticed

Even the very hairs of your head are all numbered (Matthew 10:30).

You have met a lot of people in your life. A few had a big impact on you; most are faces without names, or casual acquaintances you have forgotten. Of the few who have changed your life significantly, some are folks you’d rather not think about. They changed your life all right, but not in a good way.

So many people have crossed your path who were either unpleasant or barely noticeable. They don’t seem worthy of your time or a place in your memory. And yet, have you ever considered how unimportant you are to most of the people you meet?

We are all self-centered; we want to believe that the world revolves around us. But unless you are a celebrity or politician, only a small number of people really know much about you or care what’s going on in your life. Search your name on the World Wide Web; it’s disheartening to realize how small a footprint you have left on this earth.

We tend to ignore most people unless they are attractive or control something that we want. If you aren’t especially good looking and don’t have money or power, most people won’t spare you more than a passing glance; sadly, you and I behave that way too. We are too stingy with our love and our time to share it with someone who doesn’t impress us.

Jesus is different. Although there are billions of people living in this world, the Savior knows each of us by name. He knows your hopes and dreams, your successes and failures. When you feel hurt, He can sympathize with your pain because He suffered and died for everyone.

Our Lord does not treat anyone as if they are beneath His notice or unworthy of His time. Sadly, that is how we often treat Him—we don’t give time to prayer or worship, and we don’t let His laws govern our behavior. Nevertheless, Jesus loves each of us deeply and personally. You were worth dying for; He’ll never forget who you are.