July 5
Embrace the Awkward
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves … ––Philippians 2:3
We all know a few guys who don’t quite fit in. They don’t get the social cues, or say the wrong thing at the wrong time, or don’t know how to dress well (or even groom themselves). We jokingly call them nerds behind their backs and kinda laugh it off. It’s not like we are overtly mean to their faces—we just don’t sit by them during meal time at the men’s retreat, or invite them to lunch with our other friends at work.
And no, I’m not going to get on your case about it, because I’m guilty of it as well. Typically, the “geeks and nerds” were the guys in school who weren’t athletic, funny, or engaging. They just kind of existed. As we grew older, of course, and became serious about our faith, we knew it was wrong to exclude them. But we do. We still do.
Here’s the thing: Jesus doesn’t care that “that guy” wears shoes from Walmart, off-brand pants, and can’t tell you who won the Super Bowl or the World Series last year. He doesn’t care that that dude says awkward, uncomfortable things at the wrong times. All He cares about is that guy’s heart. Does He love Jesus? Pray consistently for—and provide for—his family? Love his wife? Bam. God’s man.
The thing is, “those guys” aren’t looking for our pity, nor are they pining for our attention. You know what they want? The same exact things you do when all is said and done: To be accepted by a safe circle of friends, to provide for their loved ones, to be the best man of God that they can possibly be. No difference.
See all God’s men as Jesus does—look through His eyes. When we do, something stunning happens. We don’t notice the nerdy shoes. Just the mighty man of God standing in them. Equals in God’s eyes. Don’t let the outward, awkward quirks stop you from partnering with every man that God puts in your path.
And remember, we are all that awkward and nerdy guy to someone else, and to everyone at certain times.
Father, smash my arrogance and heal my heart that I might see all God’s men as You do.