Clicks...

Clicks

Because I am on the church website committee, I get updates on our website email. Today, at 4:12 a.m., I received an email update about our activity on our new church website. The email talked about the number of "clicks" the website received in a certain time period, which triggered today's blog.

You see, some time ago, I was talking to, and trying to be still and listen to the Lord. I was asking a specific question and for direction. I felt like I received a definitive firm answer. I have said this before, I LOVE how the Lord uses everyday situations and circumstances to direct and lead us. For instance, the email about clicks.

How many times do we go into a gathering and breeze by some people with only a few words to find the person we want to spend time with? People have "clicks". I have rarely been part of a click. Educational settings are fraught with them. I'm not someone who can provide economic or social status. I don't have a great sense of humor. I have never been "popular". I'm quiet, most of the time. People who I become friends with, typically "dump" me when someone else comes along. This has happened so many times, that you would think I would be used to that. No, I've not been "dumped" recently! I have a different perspective now when it comes to friendships and relationships.

Our pastor has been leading our Wednesday Bible Study in Corinthians. Paul talks about stumbling blocks. I see "clicks" as a stumbling block to Christians. He talked about the part in Corinthians 8 where some people in the church were having trouble with others eating the "meat" and others were not. He said simply, "If it is a stumbling block to others, don't do it." To me, it really is that simple.

You see, there are many ways one can become a stumbling block to others. I believe "clicks" are one of those ways. I'm guilty of being focused on one thing and not seeing the big picture. I've been praying for God to focus my eyes on all the ways I need to improve. Making sure all the people I see at a gathering, whether that be at church, store, class, school, or my grandson's ballgame, I conduct myself the same way. I treat each with the same care, acknowledge them, show compassion, and show the love of Christ. I truly do love all people and look for the good. But if I'm honest, I treat people differently. We all do. How many times do we just shake hands with certain people? Welcome only those around us? Gravitate to some people, but treat others nonchalantly? Avoid some, but give others our undivided attention? I know there are times we don't get to see certain people very often, but I believe God provides opportunities for us to witness with our actions as we welcome and provide encouragement, love, and give a warm genuine smile to others who are not in our "clicks" or are closest to us. No, I've not been shunned, that I know of. I probably wouldn't have noticed now, but there was a time in my past, I would have noticed. My husband says I'm in my own little world most of the time. Those looking at us to be examples of God's love and Christians do notice. When we become one way to some and another to others, we do become that stumbling block. I feel "clicks" was God's reminder that what we may see as insignificant, matters.

Romans 14:13, "Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother."