I See People - Blog

I See People

At RCS, we train students to be academically prepared, boldly Christian, and globally prepared. To be boldly Christian and globally prepared means, in part, to see individuals and the world through the eyes of Christ. The RCS focus on service and missions gives students the opportunity to walk in Christ’s compassion in places students would not ordinarily go.

When I lived in California for seven years, I often took the train to visit our youngest daughter who worked at the Los Angeles Dream Center.  Once deposited at Union Station, I took a three-mile walk through China Town and Echo Park.  I’m a people-watcher so public transportation and long walks bring rest to my soul.  On a good day, I see people . . . I’m reminded that everyone I see —  from the man being reprimanded for smoking weed on the bus, to those living in tents on the sidewalk beneath the freeway — everyone, including me,  is a soul that needs Jesus.

On a bad day, I see others through the lens of pride and insecurity.  At Starbucks, I am the customer who is easily irritated when someone else gets my favorite spot to sit.  Social gatherings might momentarily drift toward others as long as the attention always returns to me.  I skim posts and tweets only to judge the intentions of those who write them.  I see the accomplishments of others and envy their success.  On a bad day, no matter how much there is to be grateful for in my own life, I see the success of others and ask, “Why them?”  Or, “Where’s mine?”  On my bad days, people are soulless interruptions at best. On a bad day: resentment and ingratitude are justified through my warped perspective of right and wrong.  My soul demands to be fed first. 

In Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis says that the greatest things we learn about God are not “new truths,” but instead basic truths that we need to be reminded of again and again.  The “basic truth” of the gospel is that God loves me whether or not I feel, or believe, it is true.  No matter how much I try to deny God’s existence, God still loves me.  God has a plan.  God hasn’t forgotten me.  As I remind myself of God’s steadfast love and mercy, I remember that it’s all going to be okay.  It is well with my soul.

At RCS we continually remind ourselves and our students of God’s love and how to be His love for others.  Michael Oh says, “Revisit the gospel . . . rehearse the gospel, and live your life as an echo to the gospel.”  The gospel says “God loves me,” so we share His love with others.  God says He hasn’t forgotten me and we then echo His faithfulness to others.  As our attention is lifted beyond ourselves, our eyes are opened to the souls of others, and in that sweet spot comes healing.

 

Written by Dr. Calvin Roso, RCS Director of Student Life