Overlooked

Have you ever been overlooked?

I really wanted to ask if you have ever known anyone who was overlooked, but it seemed almost contradictory. You see, how would you know that they were overlooked if you had overlooked them? (It’s a puzzle.)

We might say that they have fallen through the cracks, or that they are lost in the mix. They go unnoticed because...well, because no one notices.

Few know their name.

When you are overlooked you kind of see yourself fading into the background of life, more and more as time passes. You see yourself as small and insignificant. You are not necessarily depressed. You don’t necessarily feel sorry for yourself. You are not necessarily angry at the world. You are simply small, and you know it.

Over time, a self-perception of smallness can take its toll. A person finds himself actually withdrawing from people, unknowingly making it more difficult for others to develop or maintain a relationship. He might become detached from reality. Feeling smaller and smaller, discouragement, disappointment and even depression can set in.

The Apostle Paul used a word to describe a person who sees himself as small when compared to others: Fainthearted.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:14 Paul instructed:

Encourage the fainthearted.

A person who is fainthearted needs to be included. He needs to see a smile and hear a welcome voice. She needs a hug of acceptance. She needs to know that you know her name; that she is appreciated.

When a Christian is continually overlooked by other Christians and becomes fainthearted, it can have a devastating effect. 

     "Do God’s people not care?"

     "Am I invisible to God as well?"

A person who is fainthearted can become weak in faith and struggle spiritually. The devil can more easily get a foothold when a person is fainthearted. Encouragement is needed.

Paul didn’t say feed the fainthearted or buy them supplies; rather, encourage. That means to put courage in the heart.

So, how do you put courage in the heart of a person who is fainthearted?

Perhaps helping with food and/or supplies will be a part of the encouragement. Perhaps a little face time is needed (and I’m not talking about social media). Individual needs will vary. So, respond to their needs.

However, when a person is fainthearted he needs to be reminded that his perseverance and endurance in the Lord are not in vain. God’s word assures the Christian of a glorious welcome into eternal life for those who remain faithful to Christ.

And by the way, Paul did not say, “If you have been overlooked, pout and complain.” It might be that YOU are the spark that will encourage the heart of someone else.

Look around today; who could use a little encouragement from you?

Mark Stinnett
December 23, 2018