When one reads Paul’s letter to Colosse in the King James or the New King James translations of the Bible, he finds a word not commonly used. Paul urged those saints to live holy lives by saying, “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise” (Eph. 5:15). The English word “circumspectly” is a compound word with the first part being found in words like “circle” or “circumference.” The second part of the word is used in the word “inspect.” Paul was urging the Christians to be careful how they walked by always looking around them. Christians must use the eyes of faith to look outward.
Christians, look around you to see people. This is precisely what Jesus did. He was constantly aware of those around Him and the needs each of them had. He saw the woman taken in the act of adultery with eyes so different from those who so harshly judged her (John 8:3-7). He saw the grieving widow of Nain who was on her way to bury her only son (Luke 7:11-16). He saw little children whom others thought should not “bother” Jesus, and He strongly rebuked the way they looked at children (Mark 10:13-16). As you walk, make sure to see the people around you.
Christians, look around you to see lost souls. Jesus’ disciples returned from Sychar, a city of Samaria, and found Jesus at the well where He had taught the Samaritan woman. Most Jews had strong racial prejudice toward Samaritans but not Jesus. The woman did not stay at the well for she returned to her city to tell them about the Messiah. They were coming out to meet Jesus when our Lord said to His disciples, “Lift up your eyes and look at the fields for they are already white for harvest” (John 4:35). The disciples had just been in the city but saw no souls, only food. As you walk, make sure you lift up your eyes to fields ready for harvesting!
Christians, look around you for struggling brethren who need you. The church at Corinth had dealt with the brother who had taken his father’s wife. They had come together and publicly given him back to Satan (1 Cor. 5:1-7). Their actions had caused the man to repent, but the church needed instructions about how to treat this brother who obviously was struggling so much. Paul writes a second letter to them and talks about Satan’s devises. Christians need to look around and see how Satan is working, particularly with weak brothers. How should we treat them? Paul says forgive them, comfort them and help them overcome their sorrow.
Fellow Christians, look upward to see all that is there, but never forget to look around you. The treasures await us, but to attain them, we must look around us!