What do you See?

 

Our daughter has such a unique way of looking at things. I often see her go through our recycling bin, carefully picking out materials for her next creative project. What we see as trash, she sees as treasure -she can already envision the amazing things she can make with it. She's always coming up with new ideas using cardboard, scissors, and hot glue, which always impresses us.

It really requires a special ability to see beyond the surface. So many people tend to judge based on appearances rather than recognizing the potential in things or others. But that's exactly what God does for his devoted followers. He gives them the ability to see beyond what's obvious and view others the way he does. He sees their potential, not just their current state or the many mistakes they've made in the past. While many people only see the present, those with faith see others for who they are in Christ, and that can truly transform them. 

He shall not judge by what his eyes see…  (Is. 11:3 ESV)

I am reminded of a friend. He was known as a rebellious child, always challenging authority and going against the rules. That reputation stuck with him for a while and defined him. But everything changed when the pastor of his church took an interest in him and started having one-on-one conversations with him. The pastor spoke to him in a way that no one else had before, focusing on his potential as described in the Bible rather than his current behavior. This new way of connecting deeply impacted his life, and he soon found himself wanting to spend more time with the pastor and listen to him. With every interaction, he began to absorb these positive messages, and little by little, his life began to change for the better.