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"When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things."
(Mark 6:34, ESV)
After graduating from high school, I got my first job. I was honestly pretty nervous going to the interview. I remember leaving it thinking I had a 50/50 chance of getting the job. I remember getting the call and finding out I was hired. I remember going to orientation and getting my outfit for the job, and I remember my first day on the job as a Hollister employee!
Now, if you are unfamiliar with Hollister, it is a clothing brand with stores usually found inside malls. My first shift was at the front of the store, folding clothes and "greeting every guest that walked in". Now, when I first heard these words from my boss, I was petrified. First, I am a natural introvert, and the idea of engaging in conversation with total strangers freaked me out. Second, I have always especially hated when random people in the mall try to talk to me! In the face of these two glaring issues, I had to swallow my pride, get over the awkwardness, and say to every person that walked in the store, "Hey! How's it going?"
Now what does this have to do with Junior High students? What I learned in Hollister that day applies heavily to not only J-High students, but to all people alike! People want to be seen, identified, and noticed. Think about when you were in J-High: you were going through puberty, trying out for sports, and trying to figure out where you belonged in the world. It was probably a rough time in your life, and you may have needed a, "Hey! How's it going?"
For followers of Christ to be active in witnessing and active in being salt and light, we have to actively engage with people. Whenever I see a J-High student, I look them in the eyes, speak to them, and try to not expect anything in return. I want them to know that I see them, I have acknowledged them, and I am extending them a conversation. Adults are no different! Christians should be engaging with others, looking them in the eyes, starting conversations, and trying to be salt and light in a lost and dying world!
When was the last time you were intentional about making eye contact, smiling, and engaging someone at the grocery store, gas station, or a restaurant? Is this a revolutionary step in your walk with Jesus? I believe it is! When we begin having compassion for people like Jesus did in Mark 6, then we will begin looking at people in a different way. We will begin looking at people who are desiring to be seen, identified, and noticed. We have the Good News of Jesus, that He sees them, He created them, He knows them by name, and He loves them so much that He died for their sins!
We have to be willing to get out of our introverted, self-seeking desires and begin conversations with others! Maybe for you and me, it starts with us saying, "Hey! How's it going?"
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