God's Sovereign Purpose involves Participation

We are not called to be passive spectators - since the time of Abraham, we have been called to be missionaries.

Attentiveness is not a passive quality. It is not inert receptivity. It is active participation in another person’s life – their world. Attentiveness in its highest form is empathy which is an attentiveness of the heart. Effective attentiveness is opening our eyes, our ears, and our heart to others. This can be a real challenge. In fact, simply being attentive to things around us can be tough enough. Add to that being attentive to the deeper emotions and worries of others we encounter on a daily basis (their heart) – we then have a real challenge.  So being blessed in now our challenge to bless others.

Abraham looked for "a city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God." But people were not yet ready for that. At Babel, they are ready to build a city to satisfy the desires of body and soul and make a name for themselves in doing so.  Significance is found in the former - be a blessing to others - far more than just our duty - its our purpose.

Peter makes it clear that we are to be distinctive, holy, unique.  He also describes us as members of the priesthood, declaring God to the world.

Psalm 31:19 - How great is the goodness you have stored up for those who fear you. You lavish it on those who come to you for protection, blessing them before the watching world.