Attention: Conveying appropriate interest, concern, and care; taking notice of others and making an effort to enter into their respective worlds. (1 Corinthians 12:25 NASB)
Ever heard of “Attention Deficit Disorder, ADD”? Not the kind you may be thinking of though. I am talking about those that had a lack of attention as children and may now have a very high need for attention. They may look in all the wrong places to get their need for attention filled. Too many of us grew up unknown and alone. No adult entered their world. Let’s see if God wants us to do something about it.
These attention-starved children grow into attention-starved adults when this need goes unmet. They may take jobs that get a lot of personal attention or they may demand attention in their actions when you interact with them. They may seek attention from the wrong kind of people and get in deeper hurt or fall into unhealthy levels of attention seeking without realizing it. Some may even shy away from others because they feel awkward – not knowing how to interact well socially.
We bump into these sweet people everyday. Let’s learn how to give them appropriate attention.
THREE SOURCES OF LIGHT – Help Us Experience Attention
Light Source #1: Jesus is the Light of the World (John 8:12)
Walking in the Light: Having a fresh encounter with Jesus.
Let us first look at ourselves.
How does God give you attention? Do you even seek His attention? Do you blame Him for not getting the right kind of attention growing up? Maybe you have felt the sting of seeking attention in all of the wrong places and felt more hurt because of it? Will you take that hurt to Jesus? Will you allow Him to give you the attention you need? He wants to hear all about it.
The adulterous woman in John 8:1-11, sought after attention in all of the wrong places. Others wanted to condemn her, but Jesus wanted to save her. He wanted to free her of her pain. How do you think Jesus would react to your situation today? How do you think He would react to that attention-seeker you might bump into today?
Light Source #2: God’s Word is a lamp and a light, so walk in the light of frequent experiences of doing His Word. Psalm 119: 105
Let’s do:
Philippians 2:4Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
So what about those attention seekers we bump into on a daily basis? Why not just love them? Give them undivided, appropriate attention! Those at work that may be very talkative or looking for a laugh…they may be seeking attention. The neighbor that shares all of their ailments with you, he/she may be seeking attention. Your friend that wants to be included in the group…he/she may be seeking attention.
You might be on the lookout for the quiet, inconspicuous person at work or in your circle of acquaintances who may not know how to initiate a conversation.
It can be a very small effort on our part to welcome these into our circle and give them caring attention.Our small effort can make a huge difference in another’s heart.
Light Source #3: God’s people are sources of light so walk in real fellowship with Your Children: “the light of the world.” Matthew 5:14
We can invite others into our circle by simply sharing portions of our life with them, for example.
Your co-worker: Invite him/her to lunch. Get to know them. Ask questions about his/her life. Share some of your own story.
Your neighbors: Just sit and listen to them. If they are sharing their ailments with you, show compassion.
Your friends: Invite them over for dinner or a game night or do a dinner and movie night out with them. Include them into your life.
Giving attention to others may seem difficult at times, time consuming even, but really if we are just available… in moments…. to be present with that person, it can make the biggest difference.
When you personally need someone to enter your world and pay attention to what interests you, isn’t it true that even a small investment of time goes a long way?
Do I have your attention?