On Noticing Before Doing
The Bible makes it clear that we should be continually becoming more like Jesus (to wit: Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Ephesians 4:13). One of the primary ways I see this unfolding in my life is by noticing the things that God notices. I do not claim to have the omniscience of God nor do I claim to be able to see things like He does. But I am able to approximate that sometimes. It seems that we, as followers of Jesus, should focus less on doing things and focus more on noticing things. Then, once we notice things, we are enticed to do.
Doing alone seems to [potentially] be somewhat legalistic. Noticing first and then doing seems a little more appropriate. I love this passage in the book of Joel:
Joel 2:13 — Rend your hearts and not your garments.
It was Jewish tradition to tear clothing (like Reuben in Genesis 37:29 or the high priest in Matthew 26:65) when mourning or distressed. But God tells us that we should break our hearts not our clothes. Tearing clothes is symbolic. A broken heart is real. When your heart is broken towards someone or something, you cannot help but act.
Maybe we should stop doing some of the things we are doing and take notice of what needs done. And then do those things.
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