More than words: Acts 10
Key thought of the day...
In this pursuit of accountability and authentically living our faith how do we, "Let our words be few and our lives be loud."?
A clarification someone pointed out to me...
The idea of seperation between Jews and Gentiles was not a completely man made thing. In fact at one point Jesus tells his disciples only to go to the sheep of Israel. Also, the Levitical law was clear that there should be a distance between the people of Israel and other nations. What shouldn't be lost in that is that it was equally clear throughout Old Testament and through Jesus that salvation is for all. That the seperation was to protect the people of Israel from losing the message not that it was for them only. These walls and barriers need to be knocked down for the sake of all people.
Anyway, please never be afraid to correct. If anything is not in line with Scripture, it needs to be pointed out.
So, there was cornelius - just doing what he was meant to be doing - leading his 100 soldiers when suddenly in the middle of the day God calls him to do something out of what he has always been told is good and right to do and invite Peter to visit. Peter sees a different vision which also stretches his belief and although it was against the law to visit between gentiles and jews - he went anyway. And there in the presence of God - no matter what or who they were - they were equal and blessed by the holy spirit.
So there's this idea of walls and barriers and what I came away thinking about is this - If the mission is to live life authentically and share the great news of what Jesus did for me and how God works in my life and the life of others, (to give reasons for the hope we have) what sorts of walls and barriers have I created that are oh so conveniently keeping me from not sharing my belief with others? Then moving on as a community of believers - how can we act upon our mission statement to share the love and Good News of Jesus Christ in our homes, church, community, and world?
so - this is my struggle and if anyone has any ideas for how to overcome some of it...please share :)
It seems to me that I do okay with home (but I live alone, so how hard is that?) I'm really not that involved at church (and why is that?) and the community and the world - well they are the things that are the challenge.
There is also the idea of words being few...the more I think about this, the more I wonder if there isn't truth in not trying and put words to everything... realizing that not everything needs to make sense and take the chance with an action and in the silence...in the action - perhaps this authentic life might become clearer?
I have to admit my heart started at the thought of interacting with some stranger next to me about this faith/belief idea (beyond the hello greeting at the beginning of the service) But I also wonder - if you never use your voice, when or how does it have a chance to develop? (Comment this)
Here is my confession - I was challenged LAST year to love my neighbors. The people next door that I say hi to and nice day isn't it... So, I invited them over for a meal. It was great. And yet, I sat back and never followed up.
I KNOW Jesus love, do my neighbors? Anyway, I've invited the women of my neighborhood over for coffee on a Saturday coming up. They are different from me. Their age is different, their experiences are from another time. But I want to make a difference - for Jesus. Wouldn't it be great if a movement started here, if only half of those who heard this Sunday's message - responded in a real way? What are you going to do with what you've heard? Do it! Take a step. I have no plan for the coffee... except to pray that the Holy Spirit will do it for me. That someone that day will bring up God or some subject that I can respond to. The very least, I will care enough to do more than greet them in the yard. (Comment this)
Sidenote: As I typed that last line - I thought - you know this is not about our actions at all. The scripture, and the sermon were really talking about God's actions. What he did for us. What he continues to do for us, and (perhaps in this case more importantly) what he does THROUGH us.
Back to anonymous - it has been in my experience with situations such as the one mentioned that it is not my doing to make others see my way or change anything about them (in their words, actions, opinions, thoughts, beliefs etc...) just by my speaking with them. Let me be clear - it is not ME. However, it is not entirely impossible that GOD could work or speak THROUGH me to influence another. People don't change unless they are open to BEING changed, part of the freedom God gave us. Be patient, hang in there - gentleness with any interaction or words is likely the best advice you could get from a fellow human. But pray - alot. I pray that God would shower his peace and love on you and that your friend will be open to change. AMEN. (Comment this)