30And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?
31And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.
Even while running ragged through this desert, alongside a racing chariot, Philip chose to be perceptive. If you have ever watched the Coyote and Roadrunner cartoon you know that taking your eye off your direction for even one second results in running smack dab into a tree. While moving in any capacity whether by foot or vehicle, the goal is to look ahead and beware of any obstacles in our path. Turning away for a moment can be deadly. Have you ever driven behind someone who was texting and driving? Did you notice how often their vehicle swerved and over-corrected? Somehow Philip was able to safely manage Textus Receptus style texting and running!
Philip took initiative to recognize not only that the man was reading the Word, but specifically what passage he was in. What kind of focus must that have taken? To see the words of a scroll, not the text of a finely printed book, while keeping pace with the vehicle beside him....wow! Then, after assessing the situation and noticing the details, Philip pries into mind of this man. Maybe he had a confused look, or a posture of bewilderment, so Philip asks, "Do you understand what you are reading?"
Suddenly this maniac running next to his chariot became an individual of value. This crazed athlete just might have information pertaining to his ignorance. By simply being asked a relevant question, he can now invite the preacher into his chariot with good reason. He has let down his guard for Philip to speak into his life.
I get it....the world is so fast paced! As I walk through the mall, nearly every individual has their face buried in a phone, at times texting those within their direct proximity. Instead of living life for enjoyment, we look for, even create opportunities to socially broadcast our lives. We don't live....we tweet. Just when you think you have got someone's attention and have engaged them in conversation, the turn of their head reveals a bluetooth headset to your embarrassment. If we aren't tweeting, we're face booking. If we aren't texting, we're talking on the phone. If we aren't on the phone our face is plugged into a television monitor or computer system.
Even with the obstacle of technology in the faces of neighbors and ourselves, nothing can replace the value of genuine, physical interaction. Take time this week to notice. Watch for body language and signs of emotion. Mentally capture the details of an individual that will create a launching-pad for conversation. By the simple ask of a question, you have extended a personal "friend request" that can then be accepted or ignored. Due to the rarity of this interaction in our culture, I think you be pleasantly surprised at the response you receive. Your perception has power. Your concern has clout. Put the phone down, and be willfully ready for the opportunities God will place right before your ears and ears.
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