Least of These: List of 10 Invisible People Around Us Everyday

August 12, 2009 at 8:04 am, by Rich Kirkpatrick

In Matthew 25:40 Jesus talks about the “least of these” in the context of how our lives will be judged. I came up with a list of what I call invisible people that I think fit under this umbrella. Obviously, orphans and widows, the imprisoned and poor are on this list in Matthew. But, could there be others we are not off the hook in reaching?

Young Adults: The young adults who service our community: the guy who changes your oil, young woman who makes your coffee. They are invisible to the average churched suburban family person. Invisible.
Poor Immigrant: I am not talking about the HB1 Visa guy who drives the Mercedes, but the ones standing on the street corner hoping to do the dirty job no one else will do. Invisible.
Single Parents: Its hard having the time to socialize when you are a single mom or dad so where are they? They are busy working and have little margin and some of them low means.
New Neighbor: Someone moves in on your street and its likely you have not noticed them much. They probably are driving that unknown car right into their garage at a time you never see. Yes, invisible.
Kids on My Fridge: I give money to help these little kids across the world, but really do not bump into them in my daily life. Invisible.
Newly Divorced: Its one thing to be a single parent, but going through a divorce puts a person into hiding. Suddenly, we no longer see one of the former spouses. Invisible.
My Own Kids: I know, we work hard for them. But, are they objects to be taken care of or people we actually see? Are they invisible to me?
Our Military and Veterans: These men and now a growing group of women serve in dangerous places and how do we love on them? They are invisible to our daily lives.
The Addicted: Many struggle with drugs or other issues. Often, this is either hidden or the people will not feel safe in our churches. They are invisible.
The Seeker: There are people who have questions, but we do not have time to bother. They would love to get to know a Christian and are thirsty for truth. Our version of truth is using a Bible as a brick at times. So, they are unseen. Invisible.

This list is NOT comprehensive. What would you add? Do you agree with this list?

Categories Christian Life | Tags: Jesus, Matthew 25

http://decarter.wordpress.com Dawn Carter

Rich:
This cut me to the core. Thank you for calling out these Invisible folk who we face in our world.

I’d add the parents of your kids’ sports teams / activities: Soccer, Cheer, Dance, Little League, Boy Scouts. How many times do I not see them around me or even attend practices with a Christ-like mind? How about every day.

Thank you, Rich.
http://www.aworshipfulheart.typepad.com jan owen

What a great post. I think you are right. We tend to overlook our young adults and i’ve heard many newly divorced – or widowed – people say that they felt so ignored afterwards. I’d add to this list the unattractive. Not just physically, but all around. The guy who irritates everyone, the one with the emotional or mental problems that we can’t figure out how to deal with – we tend to ignore those people. We’re unsure how to respond so we simply look over them.
http://www.nikao.ws vince

Great list.

i would add – fallen Christians
http://richkirkpatrick.com Rich Kirkpatrick

Ouch… those additions (from unattractive to the fallen Christian) got to me.
http://randyelrod.typepad.com Randy Elrod

Great post, Rich.

I would definitely add Senior Adults. Many of them have told me that people do not even see them. I always try to smile and say hi to older people. They ofttimes feel worthless and they are on the contrary a huge untapped resource of wisdom and joy.

Take notice as yo go through the day, hoe easy it is to not see senior adults. I’ve noticed when I make an effort, they respond with the hugest smile.

Randy

http://richkirkpatrick.com Rich Kirkpatrick

Another ouch… indeed, we make elderly people invisible!
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1119188369 Dean Vasquez

Randy, well stated and great observation. I completely agree. Keep touching them.

Mitch Fewell

How about pastor’s wives? I know far too many pastor’s wives who are neglected because their super hero husbands APPEAR to be meeting all their spiritual needs.

(I love this list by the way. Thanks for the motivation)
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=631515675 Fred McKinnon

Great stuff, Rich. Newly Divorced – have a friend just like that, was thinking of calling him just today. Can’t imagine what he’s going through.
Maggie Cook

Man, this really hit home – I sent the link to this on to the Lead Team and the other members of the Worship Band.
I think it really hit home because, as I am sure many of us are able, I have been in one or more of these groups during my life and BOY, is invisible an appropriate term!

http://richkirkpatrick.com Rich Kirkpatrick

Maggie… thanks for the feedback.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1119188369 Dean Vasquez

I would second the above comments on the Sr adults. they were the moms and dads, the business leaders, the PTA presidents, small group leaders, even pastors and missionaries, and have a wealth of knowledge, experience and time. Easy to miss though. I always look to see how many “gray hairs” are in services to see how plugged in the church is to the community. From my experience, many times they are the neglected backbone of many church communities.

http://richkirkpatrick.com Rich Kirkpatrick

That is true Dean. It is the case that in many churches that are all that is in that church! I think outside the church they are more invisible than inside, in other words.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=567985826 Matt Anderson

I don’t know who I would add, I guess for me, as a Youth Pastor, sometimes parents are invisible, I’d rather hang out with their students then talk to them about what is going on with them. I ignore parents, because I get their students, I don’t always understand parents. I also loved that the Military was on that list. My youngest brother is in the Marine Corp. and I’ve seen a few people come up to thank him, and he gets a big smile on his face and loves the thanks. Not that he needs it or gets off on it, but I think he likes knowing people appreciate the fact that he got blown up, or got shot at, or whatever. he doesn’t need it, or expect it, but he loves it . . . oops sorry about the rant?

http://richkirkpatrick.com Rich Kirkpatrick

not a rant my friend… some good thoughts for us all to ponder, thanks

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Least of These: List of 10 Invisible People Around Us Everyday

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