Notice

Over the next few weeks leading up to Easter, our youth will be discussing how to see God every day. Every day, God is at work in us and in those around us, but so many people, Christian or not, don't see it. Why is that? If God is so present in our lives, why don't we notice him? That's the topic for this first week - notice. 

First, think about your day yesterday:

• What did you do?
• What was your favorite part of the day, or was there anything that stood out to you?

After reflecting on these questions, think about how God was at work in your day. 

• How might God have been using events, people, conversations, or just ever day activities to show you or tell you something?

We notice many things that happen during our day. We notice the weather, what people are wearing, interactions with others...all kinds of things. We notice because we are paying attention. Some people say “paying attention” is the core of the spiritual life. 

• Why do you think some folks think that?
• What ways do we already use to make sure we notice God?

All throughout history, certain practices called spiritual disciplines have helped people notice God. When we here the word discipline, we often think of getting in trouble, but discipline (according to Webster) can also mean a training that corrects, molds, or perfects the mental faculties or moral character. Let's learn about a few of these disciplines and how to apply them to our lives.

Read Matthew 6:1-18

There are four disciplines Jesus mentions in this passage - giving, praying, forgiving, and fasting. Jesus doesn't say if you do these things, but when you do them. Jesus expects those that follow him to give, pray, forgive and fast. Jesus also has an expectation around how we do these things. In Jesus day, the hypocrites and Pharisees would do these things to be seen by men. They would pray loudly and with many words. They would intentionally look miserable while they were fasting.  They would boast about their giving.

• In what ways does it seem like folks today might be similarly doing spiritual practices in public, to be seen by others?
• If you’re willing to be honest, when has your own spirituality been a status symbol rather than a way to seek God?

Spiritual disciplines are meant to help us and those around us notice God. They aren't meant to be practiced so that people will notice us and think we are good people. 

At the beginning we though through the past day. Think this week about how you can notice God better. Maybe it's reading your Bible, praying, fasting, giving or forgiving. Maybe it's something else. As you practice these, make sure you aren't boasting or looking for attention, but that you are pointing to God in all you do.