“What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?” (Psalm 8:4)
Have you ever thought of the first part of this verse as if you are speaking it in the first person, what is man, why is it that we are so mindful of our fellow man, what is it about them that causes us to consider their words, actions, deeds, even contemplating their lives?
To put it simply, why do we pay so much attention to other people?
Some followed the Lord Jesus Christ because they were curious, He was the next “new thing,” some for healing, and then only for self-centered reasons, some because of jealousy’s sake, a possible usurper of the desired narrative. Others because they knew He was the Lord’s Messiah.
“And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.” (John 8:45)
To live at the foot of power is generally enough for most men, they are content to be in the circle of influence, not desiring the limelight, but receiving from its rays something for themselves. We are mindful of them so that, if even in the smallest of ways, we can be known as associated with them.
A designer label somewhere on your clothing, a cross on a chain around your neck, words spoken that reveal whose “side” we are on, we are mindful of them because we want to be known by others as associated with them.
“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.” (John 14:1)
After all is said and done, after every avenue of association is explored, there are left then only two classes, those of the world, and those of Christ.
Who you are mindful of, who you associate with on a personal level, who you desire to be in the company of is clearly seen by all who know you, and it is that “sides” light that will shine through you.
Have you ever met someone you didn’t know who was wearing a cross around their neck and asked them why they wear it? Hold that thought for a moment while you consider this question. How would your neighbors respond to you if you flew the flag of a different nation outside of your house?
We who have been born-again are mindful of others, or should be, only for one specific reason, to find out if they are saved, lost or wicked.
“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15)
Paul longed to be with the believers in Rome, not only so that he could impart Spiritual gifts to them but receive the same from them also. Along the way, so to speak, while he was there, he met and spoke with others, some who were blessed to hear and receive the knowledge of the truth of grace of God, the lost, and those who heard but refused that same knowledge, that same truth, the wicked.
“Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.” (Acts 26:28)
We are in this world my friends, but we are no more expected to be associated with it than we are to be conformed by it.
“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” (2nd Cor. 6:14)
Your life, who you associate with, who you call your friends, your close companions, your family, reveals who you belong to, you cannot claim to be hid in Christ and be a part of this world, you cannot continuously be mindful of this world and say that you follow Christ. If your dearest friends, if those you love, if those you associate with the most are of this world, then you are of the world.
Any excuse you may offer against these truths is just that, an excuse.
