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Pillar January-february 2025
How Observant Are You?
by Charlie M. Sarracco
Discover a practical tool for gaining knowledge about yourself and others.
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What is God doing right now? Psalm 33 provides the answer: “The Lord looks from heaven; He beholds all the sons of men. From the place of His habitation He looks upon all the inhabitants of the earth” (vs. 13-14).God is watching us. Zechariah 4:10 adds that “the eyes of the Lord…run to and fro through the whole earth.”The eyes of God are observing all mankind collectively, as well as each of us individually in our lives. David understood this. In Psalm 139, he wrote: “O Lord, You have searched me, and known me. You know my downsitting and my uprising, You understand my thought afar off. You compass my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways” (vs. 1-3). We could each say the same.God is the most observant Being in the universe. He is all-knowing and all-powerful, yet cares about the small details of what man is doing here on Earth. This is comforting to know. For example, Luke 12:7 says “even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.”Do you consider yourself an observant person? How observant are you? We all notice things around us to some degree. But you will see there is more to this important characteristic than meets the eye.Although we cannot be as observant as our Creator, God has set a perfect example from which to learn. We have also been given other helpful examples in the Bible to help us understand how effective the skill of observation can be.Jesus Christ observed people putting money into the treasury and noticed the poor widow putting in all she had. He highlighted this moving act of giving as an example of the proper attitude when giving an offering (Mark 12:41-44). The apostle Paul noted the many gods the Athenians worshipped and used this observation to introduce them to the true God (Acts 17:22-23). King Solomon observed an overrun and neglected vineyard while out for a walk, which led him to reflect on the importance of diligence (Prov. 24:30-34).These biblical examples and others show us the power of observation, which can help us connect with others, recognize opportunities and see lessons in everyday life.Tools of the TradeWhile observation may seem obvious and automatic, it does not always come naturally. It is a learned behavior that can be improved over time with practice.God gave us tools to help us observe. Just as a paintbrush is a tool for an artist or a shovel is a tool for a gardener, our five basic senses are the tools for the trade of observation. Proverbs 20 states: “The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the Lord has made even both of them” (vs. 12). We can see with our eyes and hear with our ears, as the verse says. He has also given us the senses of smell, taste and touch.Exercising your senses will help you observe. By paying close attention to what is happening around you, you will notice needs waiting to be filled. For example, there could be an opportunity to offer help and guidance to someone. Maybe a friend needs someone to talk to about a difficult time they are going through, or a work colleague is showing signs of struggling with a project.In these situations, we can step in and offer a helping hand. But we have to first notice the need before we can act. This can come from words a person uses in conversation, body language, tone of voice, or just noticing a person acting in a way that is out of the ordinary.Our senses help us a lot if we are not passive or idle. For instance, you could smell a gas leak, smoke, or chemical fumes and protect others who may not notice from danger. While driving, you can keenly look out for icy patches or potholes.Yet building observation skills takes time and practice.How to Sharpen Your SensesIn today’s world, a lot can distract us from being observant. From smartphone notifications to the temptation to do too much multitasking at one time, it can be hard to be fully aware of what is going on around us.Setting clearly defined goals when dealing with areas that tend to take our focus will help. For example, try not to use your smartphone when you are talking with someone in person—give them your full attention. Avoid being in a distracted rush by setting a manageable schedule for yourself throughout the day. When we are in a hurried state, we are more likely to miss the finer details.Asking questions is also a great way to boost your observation. You can ask questions to others and even to yourself. For instance, maybe you lack the energy that you normally have. You could ask, “What have I been eating that could be impacting how I feel?” Or “Have I been getting enough sleep lately?”By asking questions, we challenge ourselves to think differently and take steps to adjust.Jesus Christ showed the importance of asking questions during the Sermon on the Mount: “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you; for every one that asks receives; and he that seeks finds; and to him that knocks it shall be opened” (Matt. 7:7-8).Christ would often ask His disciples questions to get them to reflect on what they were experiencing. Read Matthew 16:15.We can all think back to when we were in a hurry to get somewhere, and the trip seemed like a blur. It is hard to remember the small details of our surroundings when we are racing around hurriedly. Our brains can only process so much information at a fast pace.Psalm 46 says, “Be still, and know that I am God” (vs. 10). To “be still” can mean to relax, slacken, or cease. To appreciate and know God, we are told to relax or slow down. The same applies to observation. We must avoid being hasty (Prov. 21:5). Hastiness diminishes our ability to observe.Part of this process is reflecting on what you see. When we reflect—this can be defined as serious thought and consideration—we are taking the necessary time to analyze what we have observed. It helps us to process the information collected. This will help ensure you do not come to the wrong conclusions.For example, if someone greets you with an unenthusiastic hello, you might assume they are upset with you. Later, however, you remember they mentioned struggling with a health issue. What seemed like rudeness now becomes a reminder to check in with a kind text or call.Personal GrowthMost have heard the phrase, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” Put another way, what we see holds a lot of meaning. We can learn a lot from others that fuels our own growth.Hebrews 10 says, “And let us consider [observe] one another to provoke unto love and to good works” (vs. 24). By carefully watching others, you learn from what you see and are provoked to do the same. What an amazing picture of the power of observation!Paul told the Corinthians: “Be you followers of me, even as I also am of Christ” (I Cor. 11:1). He further emphasized this in Philippians 3:17. While no one, minister or otherwise, is perfect, observing the Christ-like qualities in others is a great way to see how to live God’s Way.Anyone setting the right example—maybe they are taking the lead to organize an element of a social, or they offer to use their truck to help someone move into a new home without being asked—would be someone to observe and emulate.Conversely, there are certain behaviors or habits you can learn to avoid through observation. Let’s dig deeper into King Solomon’s observation mentioned earlier: “I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; and, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down. Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction” (Prov. 24:30-32).In this passage, Solomon paints a picture of how he learned from a bad example. This dilapidated and unkempt land symbolized the negative outcomes of laziness. He identified the person who lived there as a “man void of understanding” and knew not to follow that example.You can likely think of a time when you saw something similar. By observing what others are doing or not doing, you are receiving instruction.While we can learn a lot from observing others, we must be mindful of our actions too. Others are watching what we do. Be careful not to spend too much time looking at other people and not enough time examining yourself. Take time to regularly reflect on your own conduct and evaluate where you can improve through the lens of God’s Word.Matthew 7:3 asks, “And why behold you the mote that is in your brother’s eye, but consider not the beam that is in your own eye?” We must not look down on others while casting a blind eye to our own weaknesses.When we pause and consider our works (Hag. 1:7; II Cor. 13:5), we are more likely to view the actions of others with the right attitude.By improving our own conduct, we will help others see a good example, too. And this could give them something to apply in their lives. It is a win for everyone!Observation in RelationshipsBy growing in our observation skills, we are less likely to be out of tune with the feelings and emotions of others. An example of observing certain emotions in others and then implementing them is found in Romans 12: “Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep” (vs. 15).By being observant of others, you are being outwardly focused and show outgoing care and concern. This is why Paul mentioned in Philippians 2: “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others” (vs. 4).For instance, if you notice a friend or family member struggling through a trial, take the next step and ask them if there is anything you can do to help. This will help you show empathy—sharing the feelings of another—in conversation, leading to stronger and more meaningful relationships. Read Galatians 6:2.Author Dale Carnegie explained the importance of taking an interest in others in his famous book How to Win Friends and Influence People. He wrote, “You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.”For example, you might notice that a person in your congregation really comes to life when certain topics are brought up. You can seize the opportunity to ask them more and give them the opportunity to share with you. This could be stories from their childhood, how they were called into the truth, their passion for gardening, or anything else. Observing and supporting others’ interests is a great way to make them feel appreciated.“Observation is not just a skill—it is a gift from God that enables us to grow, serve and strengthen our relationships with Him and others.”Putting It into PracticeObservation is not just a skill—it is a gift from God that enables us to grow, serve and strengthen our relationships with Him and others. By observing the world around us and reflecting on what we see, we gain valuable insights into ourselves, the needs of those around us, and the lessons God places before us.But observation alone is not enough. As the apostle James teaches us: “For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was” (1:23-24, New King James Version).We would never notice a piece of spinach in our teeth or a dirty smudge on our cheek while looking in a mirror and walk away without removing them. Likewise, we also must not be passive about what we observe. Take action on what you see and learn.God’s Holy Spirit is essential in this process. John 16:13 calls it “the Spirit of truth” that “will guide you into all truth.” It sharpens our spiritual vision, helping us discern truth, identify opportunities to serve, and recognize areas in our own lives that need improvement.Chapter 14 adds that the Spirit “shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance” (vs. 26). It empowers us to go beyond surface-level observation and see deeper into the heart of a matter, aligning our thoughts and actions with God’s will.Take comfort in knowing that God Himself is the ultimate observer. He sees us, knows us and is lovingly guiding us every day.So slow down. Be still. Take the time to observe. Ask questions. Reflect deeply. And most importantly, let God’s Spirit guide you in turning those observations into meaningful actions.
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