Invisible People

I don't believe in ghosts or poltergeists or even zombies, but I do believe in invisible people. In fact I've seen some! That sounds quirky, doesn't it?

Do you remember the story about the demoniac who came rushing down the hillside to meet Jesus when Christ's boat docked at Gadara? Here was a man in desperate need to compassion and care. The poor guy was so tormented by the demons that controlled his mind and his body that he went running naked through graveyards at night. The neighbors had tried to restrain him with heavy ropes and chains, but poor Legion had always managed to break free to run howling through the hills at midnight. (Luke 8:26 - 39)

Over time he lost some of his shock value and was downgraded to a nuisance. Then one day, his appearances became so routine and unremarkable that Legion became invisible. Nobody could see him anymore. Sure, they could see him, but not really. They couldn't see his pain. They couldn't see his fear. They could no longer see his humanity or his profound physical and spiritual needs. Until Jesus refused to turn away and actually looked this poor man in the eye, the neighbors were no longer angry or even ashamed. They were just indifferent. Because he had become one of those invisible people we don't want to look at.

I'll bet there are invisible people in your life. I'm talking about that painful person who is so galling to you that you'd rather not face him. Why is he so irritating? Are there spiritual needs in his life other people have chosen to overlook? Then there are those ever afflicted men and women whose problems never seem to go away, and you finally get tired of dealing with them. It's a drain and even an embarassment! You know what I mean? And what about all those faceless people behind the counters at grocery stores, drug stores and coffee shops when you're in such a hurry? Sigh! Sometimes we don't even see those stressed out human beings because we are so busy glancing impatiently at our smart phones and watches. "Good grief! How long does it take to make a stupid cup of coffee, anyway?"

Once in a while, I find myself trying to rush grimly past some clerk or a barista or teller. "Could we just get it done and get me outa here?" It's usually pretty easy, because other people feel overscheduled, over-worked, and unfriendly as well. But once in a while, as I'm glancing at my watch, a service person will glance across the counter with a big smile and inquire, "What do you do for a living, Mr. Floyd?"

OMG do I have to say "I am a Pastor.........?" Then there's the question, "Oh, wow! Where is your church?" There is no escape! I have to slow down, and smile "warmly," and say "Providence Baptist Church in McLean. Have you ever visited us?" (If everyone there is an impersonal jerk like me, why should she?)

Until she smiled and asked about my profession, that teller was just one of those invisible people. I couldn't see her because I was too busy.

The world is full of lost people who think they don't know any Christians. And the church is full of busy Christians who think they have never encountered an invisible person. Both groups are wrong.

Slow down and smile this week. Before leaving home, program a good word onto your tongue and a chorus into your heart. Don't leave home until you're ready to minister grace. How quickly you will discover that you really can see all those faces that never showed up on your radar before! Start warming them up today and- who knows!- in a few days you might be able to talk about your life with Christ or recommend a good book... or a good church.

Selah!