Out of Focus

    I have recently had the privilege of watching my nephew begin to grow up... Okay so he's about a year and a half old, but still he's getting old.  The thing is he has begun to talk and recognize people, and my mom and sister have used pictures of me to help him recognize when he talks to me over the phone or they talk about me. 

     I live about 3 hours away and I'm not able to see my nephew that much, but my mom was keeping me posted that all they had to do was say my name and he now goes to my pictures in the house and points.  Needless to say I was pretty proud that he was able to do this, but when I went home for Christmas my nephew was put to the test.  Every single time somebody asked where I was, he ran and pointed to the picture, with me sitting right there!!!  Needless to say my pride was deflated when I realized that he didn't really know me, just my image that everyone had shown to him.

     Then I started thinking... How many times do people have this same response to God?  Some have never really gotten to know God for themselves, they are stuck to the image that people have given them... Just like my nephew.  Now one day I hope my nephew will come to know who I am, but I am more concerned with him growing past my parents' and his parents' image of Jesus and come to know him personally, not only how others describe him... My same hope is for you.  Do you actually see Jesus for who he is, or for who others have told you.  This might be a good time to check yourself and make sure that you are in focus...

Matthew 25:31-46