When Jesus left the splendor of heaven to walk the earth in human form, he had two primary motives. The first was to show us the image of God. As God in the flesh, he came to reveal God\u2019s love, character, compassion, and nature. Second, he came to show us what it looks like to be human in a way that honors God.\xa0
\xa0The second part is very relevant for the church today, showing us what it means to be human. Jesus came to show us the nature of God, and He came to show us how to be human.\xa0
\xa0We have a phrase in English that most use (or hear used) so often I don\u2019t think we realize how odd the term is. We\u2019re so familiar with it that we don\u2019t think about it. We just say it. The phrase is \u201cPay Attention.\u201d
\xa0Have you ever thought about that phrase? We talk about \u201cpaying\u201d attention to people or \u201cpaying\u201d attention to details, or \u201cpaying\u201d attention to the things of God.
\xa0Paying for something means a transaction is taking place. When you \u201cpay\u201d for something, you exchange some form of currency for something of value. Your attention is a currency. And giving your attention to (or \u201cpaying\u201d attention to) someone or something...coveys value upon that person or thing.\xa0
\xa0So you can increase a person\u2019s value by giving them your attention, or you can diminish their value by withholding it (or giving it half-heartedly). Your attention is a currency (like money) which means you can use it wisely or waste it. You can invest it, or you can withhold it.