To be recognized is a great desire for many of us. It is an acknowledgment of our existence. Perhaps, we strive too much to be recognized. I believe social media is all about getting someone to recognize yourself or your cause. Sometimes there is a great deal of anonymity where we may just want to see what everyone else is posting. We reserve our opinions while still part of the crowd. How many times have you seen on TV some crowd gathering to protest something. When individuals are singled out to explain what they are protesting, they stumble for words or do not even know. The protest gathers momentum and becomes a mob sometimes without evaluating the facts. Someone or something has been wronged in their opinion so off we go where nobody knows. Is there perhaps some over reaction in play here. You think! What if you feel totally misunderstood and not recognized for who you are or what you represent?
Ephesians 4:26,27 advises us that it is okay to be angry, just do not sin in the process. Do not let the sun set on your anger as that only provides an opportunity for evil to creep in your souls. Evil being the devil. Later in the next chapter we are advised to live our life with love, following the example of Christ. Who is Christ? Did he have trouble being recognized? You bet! Even Jesus was not recognized. “They asked, “Isn’t this Jesus, Joseph’s son, whose mother and father we know? How can he now say, I have come down from heaven?” (John 6:42)
If Jesus was not truly recognized for who he was, what chance do we have to be understood and recognized for who we think we are? Are we spending too much time trying to be recognized. A good dancer does not need to be recognized as a good dancer. We cannot survive without air, water, food and avoidance of extreme environmental conditions. We can live without recognition. Life goes on regardless. Perhaps the best advise from Jesus is not to grumble among yourselves. Unless you are drawn to me by the Father, you will not be raised. (John 6:43,44)
Instead of trying to be recognized by your so called friends or those whom you relate, have a little faith and recognize the bread of life.
T