"i invite YOU in": FASHIONABLY ATTRACTIVE

Sarah and I were recently in NYC for an event in conjunction with the NBA All-Star Weekend. Other than the bitter cold weather conditions, the climate of the “meet and greet” was fashionably attractive. Being in the midst of athletes like Terrell Owens, NBA great Isaiah Thomas, a few current Green Bay Packer’s, and a former Philadelphia Eagle, as well as NYC models and music artists, Sarah and I mingled like we belonged; even though we didn’t. I mean, Sarah was the prettiest there, and I was, well, the most infamous there, but we were still out of place in such an “attractive” place.I speak for myself as I express these thoughts. “Out of place” means to be acutely conscious that, as a Christian, I am in the world but not of the world. I may be in certain settings, but I am never to be of certain settings. Nothing against the event, because we had an awesome time, but the “celebrity feel” got me thinking about life in general. And how status is based on “what you do” or “who you know” in this world. I transition from the thoughts above to the intersection below.On our way home from NYC, we decided to stop by and have lunch with Little John in Clifton, NJ. And it was during our time together with Little John that I was reminded of being in prison, but not of prison.  And how the same “what you do” or "who you know” mentality exists even in the culture behind the wall. And I felt just as out of place within that correctional facility as I did in New York City. I drive my point home now…..Seeing Little John—a once reputed mob enforcer who persecuted people of faith—and how his life has been completely transformed by the grace of God, I realize now more than ever that it’s not about what you do or who you know; But it is about who you are and Who knows you.  Thus, we can find our celebrity in Christ and know that while we are in this world temporarily, we can still be agents of eternity. We are famous in our Father’s eyes and He is the one who fashions us into the attraction of who we are. Now that’s fashionably attractive.Overall, I am grateful that I feel this detachment from the world that I may be ever more attached to the Word. Not “so heavenly minded” that I’m “no earthly good.” But heavenly minded that I know God’s best over what is considered earthly good.