"Situational Awareness: Are You Minding Your Own Business?"

This Tank Didn't Have It!

Is it possible we need to reconsider our demand of people to mind their own business? I’m well aware some folks are simply nosy for gossip’s sake – finding satisfaction in using information to cause harm to others and/or to promote their own selfish ambitions. But, what could happen if we were active agents of goodwill, primarily seeking to act as ambassadors for Jesus Christ?

What do I mean? Imagine hearing a troubled teenager basking in poor choice after poor choice or a co-worker lamenting over family life challenges. Too often our responses range from being dismissive, judgmental, and indifferent to offering inclusion in future prayers. In these moments we have an opportunity like no other to truly take action as Jesus’ disciples.  Recently, I discovered a term used in the legal field, situational awareness, that we would do well to apply in our interactions. 

Situational awareness is applied in the courtroom as lawyers listen intently for both what the witnesses say and don’t say. The lawyers are listening to attain greater understanding, for inconsistencies in testimonies and other clues to aid in protecting their clients. In addition, lawyers observe body language and employ other measures to gather as much information as possible.  One of the keys to success in the courtroom is the lawyer’s knowledge (being aware) of everything that is happening during the trial.

Which is why, I suggest those of us professing Jesus as Lord begin minding other people’s business through developing the skill of situational awareness. For instance, what if the teenager begins to withdraw; or the once confident co-worker seems distracted and combative; or you notice a Facebook comment indicating your friend is in distress.  These are all opportunities to ask questions, write thoughtful notes, initiate prayer or to listen to the person's troubles, etc. with the only aim - to be a vehicle of Jesus’ love and healing.

In John 8 (vss. 1-11), Jesus demonstrates situational awareness while exposing the nosy people that should just mind their own business!  The nosy people were insensitive, judgmental and dismissive; they attempted to use the gathered information to condemn a woman.  But, Jesus filled with love, compassion and a desire to restore the woman asks a question, v.10 "Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” In verse 11, she replied, “No, Lord”. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more”.

The world needs to experience more people guided by the love of Jesus who utilize situational awareness - daring to ask questions; to provide a listening ear; and most importantly to recognize a person in need. Then, boldly with grace, extend compassion, empathy, and hope.

My Christian sisters and brothers, hurting people are 

waiting for us to stop minding our own business.

-- 

Much Love,

Marcus J. Singleton
Lead Pastor
Living Faith Community

Hoover, AL

Our Vision: "A diverse community of faith; inspired by the love of Jesus, committed to becoming and making disciples".

Weeding Out.

Excerpt from Over 50 Don't Mean Your're Dead: My Spiritual Journey

Over the last few weeks
I have watched
as the gardener
cut back overgrown areas on our work property.
I watched
an overgrown willow tree,
that looked like a "Sesame Street" character, transformed into a real
picture book tree.
I have seen thickets of brush
cut away and turned into mulch
for the area that once was covered.
When I'm home,
I look out and
my neighbor is going through
the same process,
weeding and cutting back.
As I look at the transformation
I think about the changes
that I have gone through
in my life.
How I have been
surrounded by thickets, and
overgrown by the weeds
that have caused me
not to grow.
These things don't
sneak up on us,
they grow
before our eyes.
There comes a day when people can't see who we
are for all the things that have surrounded us.
Many times
thickets have a
life of their own.
Do you ever think about
what it is like to be depressed?
Everything makes your day gray.
The thickets control everything you do.
When the thickets are gone
you feel bare,
exposed.
But now,
you can grow.
You can Be,
and the the world can see that you have your own life. Now, you
need to let God in,
let the Spirit of God
replace those things that
controlled you and kept you confined.
Growth is inevitable and
when challenges come
God is there
to take the reigns
even before you ask.
The weeds will come,
it's up to you to recognize them
and handle (weed and cut them back) before
they control you.

Nedra Groggins-Sage
Author
Over 50 Don't Mean Your're Dead: My Spiritual Journey

Much Love,
Pastor Singleton

"Sharing: A Simple Redemptive Act"

As I strive to raise my little fellas to love and reverence God, memories of the parenting I received often chimes beneath my decisions.  My mom and dad definitely reared us in the old school tradition of: children are to be seen, not heard; because I said so; this is my house, or do as you’re told. Before any civic class I was well versed in authoritarian and monarchy forms of government.

But, mixed or tempered with that hardened old school veneer laid a softer, gentler, humanitarian style of governing. My parents consistently encouraged me to share and often when I lacked the sharing spirit, I received talking to’s on the importance of this benevolent action.  As a child, the gravity of this selfless act escaped me, why give a part of what is mine to someone else? They attempted to explain all the benefits of sharing with others (including but not limited to): honoring God; helping others; providing hope to someone else; and feeling good about myself. Yet, my foolish heart led me to believe accumulation of my own toys; clothes; sporting equipment; and savings from my allowance were most significant.

How could sharing what is mine make me better?

In hindsight, my parents were teaching me how to build community and to be a partner with God. The act of sharing; with true generosity and love for God, brings about an interconnectedness or oneness with others.  When we share, essentially we acknowledge the human worth of all people, we recognize the receiver as one of God's children. 

This simple act; of offering a portion of or all of what one has, is transformative. Most times we will never experience any direct benefit from our actions but to the recipient, the effect is immediate and timely.  Sharing a kind word, giving of money or possessions, offering advice or an opportunity, spending time with someone, sharing in the suffering of another are a few ways we can partner with God and experience oneness with others.

Our willingness to share in many circumstances becomes the answer to prayer.

Sharing (what is mine/yours), a simple act, indeed does make us better! Per usual, I learned my parents were right because I am at my best when I am honoring God, helping others and providing hope to someone else.

In concluding the letter of Hebrews, the author offers both encouragement and admonishment just as my parents did for me in my adolescence:

“And don’t forget to do good and to share with others.

These are the sacrifices that please God”. 

Hebrews 13:16

Each of us can build communities/interconnectedness with others and please God through the simple redemptive act of sharing. But, first we must realize the gravity and importance of this sacred action.

--
Much Love,

Marcus J. Singleton
Lead Pastor
Living Faith Community
Hoover, AL

Our Vision:  A "diverse community of faith; inspired by the love of Jesus, committed to becoming and making disciples."