Devotion: Social Attention
Please read the scriptures from the weekend: Matthew 18:1-5
In the current weekend worship series, “Pay Attention”, we’ve been exploring what captures our attention, what distracts us and where do we put our attention? On the surface it’s easy to say, “I pay attention!” I can say as a mom, I put my attention on my kids. As a wife, I want my attention to be on my husband. At work, I focus my attention on my tasks and the people that I work with. In my downtime, I place my attention on rest and things that bring me joy. But I know it’s almost impossible to keep my attention focused on one thing at a time. I like to multitask. I can be talking to my daughter on the phone, while downloading groceries into my online cart and making a mental note to remember that when I hang up the phone I need to put the trash can down at the curb for the morning pickup, text a co-worker about a meeting tomorrow and run to the store to pick up the order that I just placed.
So, is that really giving my full attention to my daughter?
This weekend, Pastor Michelle talked about “social attention” and our need for recognition from others. A perfect example of that would be if you gave me a nod of approval and I felt proud for that great feat of multitasking that I just talked about! I am proud of how busy I am and like to be recognized for how much I accomplish. I like that attention! I would even go so far as to say that’s a logical reaction for me to have based on understanding how our society works and what is defined as successful. But is that what is best for me? Is that what is best for my family, my community of friends and the people that I care about? Is that what God wants for my life? These are questions that probably can’t be summed up in a short writing, but rather need to be reflected on and wrestled with more thoroughly.
After listening to Pastor Michelle’s message, I will be thinking and reflecting on what Jesus said to the disciples when they asked him, “Who is the greatest?” Jesus pointed at a child who was around him and responded, “Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
Jesus did not say that whoever is the busiest is the greatest.
He didn’t say whoever accomplishes the most is the greatest.
He didn’t say whoever gets the most likes or comments on a social media post is the greatest.
He said whoever is humble, like a child, is the greatest.
Let’s pray.
Lord, we know the world is loud. Help us to hear you over everyone and everything else. Help us to be gracious in our words and actions. Give us chances to practice humility. Remind us that you call us to love bigger than we know how. When we look into a mirror, remind us that we are yours, a child of God, and have been called to love deeply, grow spiritually and share abundantly. In the mighty, precious and saving name of Jesus. Amen.
Written by Julie Anderson
Julie Anderson is a member of Sheridan’s Devotion Writing Team. She works as Sheridan’s Children’s Music Coordinator where she is passionate about teaching children to use their musical gifts to praise God.
Julie is married to Scott and counts her greatest honor as being mom to Adrienne, Eliot and Elise.