Windows

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Windows. We see them everywhere. But have you ever thought about this: we usually don't notice the window themselves, we see the scenery behind them. Wouldn't it be weird if someone said, "look at that beautiful window. The glass is so clear and shiny."
Instead, if someone sees a window, they usually notice the view beyond the window.
"That's a beautiful view."
Now you're probably wondering why in the world I'm talking about windows. But, think about it. What if we are supposed to be like windows? Our mission in life is to show the love of God and his saving grace to the world. But if for one moment we think that it's about us in any way, then we're doing it wrong. What happens if someone tries to draw attention to a window by putting huge curtains around it or putting decorations on it? Well, if you've ever ridden in a car owned by a family with young children, you might have discovered a lovely habit that many little kids love to do to their car windows- cover them with stickers. But let me ask you something, if there are stickers on the windows, will you be more inclined to see the scenery beyond the window, or the many Spongebobs, Dora the Explorers, and Cinderellas plastered all over the glass? The more decorations there are on or around the window, the less attention the view outside the window will be given. If that little child who enjoys decorating his car window is crazy enough, you may not be able to see outside at all.

In the same way, the more attention we give ourselves in our walk with Christ, the less people will be able to see Him. Here's a passage from Matthew that illustrates this idea,
Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach... Everything they do is done for people to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long; they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; they love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and to be called ‘Rabbi’ by others."
-Matthew 23:1-6
You may be thinking, "oh PLEASE, that's ridiculous! How does this description of religious leaders from thousands of years ago who loved to follow the laws of Judaism have to do with me?"
Well, think again, because the truth is, all of us have the natural inclination to make everything in life all about ourselves. We may not show obvious, outward signs of selfishness like the religious leaders did, but if our hearts are set to please ourselves first, our actions will be like putting stickers on a window, adding more and more decorations to ourselves, and eventually, people won't be able to see outside when they look through the glass; they will only be able to see stickers.

To be honest, I'm talking to me too. So as I challenge you to start examining your heart and seeing the true motives of your endeavors to serve Christ, I am also challenging myself. Sometimes, it is SO tricky to stop thinking of ourselves, especially when the culture we live in is so set on selfishness. I mean seriously, look at any type of ad and you'll know exactly what I mean.

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This famous slogan is an example of the selfish mentality of most ads today

But, as Christians, we have the Holy Spirit to help us just stop and remember to look past our own worlds, into a world where Christ is changing lives; we can be windows for this world to look through to see His love and unending grace. We can't afford to block their view in any way with our own selfish ideas. So let people see a beautiful view through your window- not a bunch of Spongebob stickers.

IT'S NOT ABOUT YOU.