In a previous post we gave thanks for a couple initiatives that our congregation has endeavored to accomplish to address these difficult times.
But what about each of us? Really, the congregation is not powerful in what it does from the church building and by our staff. It is exceedingly powerful, though, in what it does through its members each and every day in their individual lives. It is in our daily lives at work and at home and on the road that we can make the greatest impact for the Gospel and the Kingdom of God.
It is impossible for anyone to say: "This is exactly what you should do as a Christian in these difficult times." Please note that it isn't so much "what" we do in our lives and vocations that is important, but it is HOW we live. The Lord is not so much concerned with whether you are a bus driver or a politician, a secretary or a CEO. All of those vocations are important and worthy. What makes the Christian difference is HOW you drive your bus, what kind of character you display as a politician, the faithfulness you show in your management of the office, and the Godly wisdom you develop as you guide a company's business.
The COVID crisis and the social unrest in our nation should really make us stop and re-evaluate our lives and how we are letting the Lord direct them. Without being overly dramatic and taking ourselves too seriously, it is good to prayerfully consider new ways of "being" Christians. Perhaps these times really are calling Christians to "stretch" our vision of what it means to live out our lives. What does it means to redeem the times that we live in? And how do we do that?
My own little "stretch" that God has called me too, is extending myself in relationship to my fellow African American citizens. I can't solve the whole problem of race in this country. I can't even eliminate the sinful tinge of racism that lives in my own heart (Jesus has to forgive me for that!) But in the weeks since all the rioting and unrest, I have found it quite a wonderful thing to be able to strike up a conversation with those who have a different color skin than I do. It has been quite a happy thing to go up to folks on the street that I don't even know and express my heart, that in the face of all our troubles as a society, I, as a white person, count them as my brother/sister. If the conversation goes well, I make sure they know that I am saying this because I am a Christian and I believe all humans are created in the image of God. I also allow them to express their heart and thoughts. Even if I don't have time to talk with people, or the situation doesn't allow it, even a true smile or greeting is so wonderful. I know there is one young black man that I see running on the trail I walk. I make SURE to make eye contact, smile, and greet him. I am truly convinced that if we ALL made these efforts to have real, kind, human interactions with each other, the world would be so completely different than it is!
Where is God stretching you to be His agent of Grace and Love in your life? How can your life as a Christian make a difference in the people you come in contact with? Pray about it! Let God take your life in new and beautiful ways!
AND FURTHER: If you just can't think of ANYTHING else to do with your life that is good and worthy of God, just know that there are PLENTY of things that you can do here at the church in partnership with others to make a difference for the Kingdom. Below we have pictures from this past week here at Good Shepherd (this is actually a pretty "happy hopping" place some days!) First we have the officers of our LWML society meeting to plan out a very uncertain future as best they can. As well we have angels who are coming in to paint our scuffed walls! Praise God!
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