Seeing, But Not Seeing

How often have you seen, but not seen? How often has somebody pointed out something to you that has been there all along, but which you have just never noticed?

Let me give you an example. Have you ever noticed the arrow in the Federal Express logo? It is supposed to indicate that this a company “on the move.”

I have no idea how many FedEx trucks, packages, commercials, etc, I’ve seen during my lifetime. I never “saw” the arrow in their logo until it was pointed out to me. Even then, I had some difficulty. For years, the significance of that part of the logo was lost on me. Until I really made it my mission to see it, it almost still was.

In case you are as “dense” as I am, let me help you. Here are a couple of versions of the logo. In the first one, the arrow is white.  In the second one, the arrow is highlighted in green.  (If you’re still having trouble, it is between the capital E and the x.)

Now that I’m aware that the arrow is there, it is difficult for me to not see it. In fact, I now look for it.

I’ve even become a sort of “arrow evangelist.” I’ve told others about my “discovery” and help them to “find” it.

It seems to me that I have the same responsibility in a much more important area of my life — and not just because I’m a preacher. I believe that, as a Christian, I have the responsibility to help people “see” something that is really important. In fact it is eternally important. It has been there all along, but many people have not really focused on it or fully appreciated it. I would hate for its significance to be lost on anybody.

I need to help people see, appreciate, and love “That Old Rugged Cross.” I’m not talking about a nice piece of jewelry or some religious icon. I have in mind that cruel instrument of death upon which our Lord died. I’m thinking of the price that had to be paid for my sins. The cross is not merely a part of a logo for some corporation. It is the very heart of what the gospel message is all about.

It is little wonder that the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to write these words:

And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. (1 Cor. 2:1-2, ESV, emphasis added)

Whether or not I saw or appreciated the significance of an arrow on the side of a truck will not matter when I draw my last breath. Whether or not I put the cross into proper focus will matter throughout all eternity.

Have you seen the cross?

Has anybody pointed it out to you?

Have you pointed it out to anybody else?

To Receive All Our Posts via Email for Free, Click Here.

Photo background credit: David D on Creative Commons