Romans 12:2 (NLT)
"Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God
transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will
learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."
Proverbs 6:6 (NLT) "Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones. Learn from their ways and become wise!"
1 Peter 3:15-16 (NIV) "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander."
1 Timothy 4:1-8(ESV) "Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer. A Good Servant of Christ Jesus. If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come."
Last summer I had the opportunity to be a part of a group called Compassion Indianapolis. It is an organization that recognizes different states that are serving others admittedly for their beliefs. You cannot be a part of Compassion unless your city is chosen to be a Compassionate City and I had the privilege of spreading the news to help my city become one. I have never really been a part of a religious organization without Christ being at the center and was a little skeptical at first; however, this allowed me to not only step back and embrace the many differences with love and respect, but encouraged me to be bold in my walk with the Lord. Not only does it encourage people to reach out to others in need, but it encouraged people to reach out through encouragement and not persecution or condemnation. Many Christians focus solely on their beliefs and don't bother learning about the beliefs of others as if they don't care about other religions or don't see it as a necessity, but how will our ministry be effective if we do not understand what others believe? Is it better to come down to a level of understanding before sharing the gospel or discussing it or simply judging them? Instead of saying they are stupid in their thinking why not strive to understand why they think that way? I am not saying simply preaching will not bring some to their knees, but often times we make judgments without looking at the full story. When we come to a better understanding of where they are, we make room for God's work and sometimes make room for us to share our views instead of pushing it on them. Too often it seems misunderstandings play a huge role in both race and religious tension among the world today. They may be wrong, but is it our place to judge? As believers we need to know what others believe so we can have intelligent discussions, finding a common ground to better share the gospel, instead of being defensive.
Proverbs 6:6 (NLT) "Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones. Learn from their ways and become wise!"
1 Peter 3:15-16 (NIV) "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander."
1 Timothy 4:1-8(ESV) "Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer. A Good Servant of Christ Jesus. If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come."
Last summer I had the opportunity to be a part of a group called Compassion Indianapolis. It is an organization that recognizes different states that are serving others admittedly for their beliefs. You cannot be a part of Compassion unless your city is chosen to be a Compassionate City and I had the privilege of spreading the news to help my city become one. I have never really been a part of a religious organization without Christ being at the center and was a little skeptical at first; however, this allowed me to not only step back and embrace the many differences with love and respect, but encouraged me to be bold in my walk with the Lord. Not only does it encourage people to reach out to others in need, but it encouraged people to reach out through encouragement and not persecution or condemnation. Many Christians focus solely on their beliefs and don't bother learning about the beliefs of others as if they don't care about other religions or don't see it as a necessity, but how will our ministry be effective if we do not understand what others believe? Is it better to come down to a level of understanding before sharing the gospel or discussing it or simply judging them? Instead of saying they are stupid in their thinking why not strive to understand why they think that way? I am not saying simply preaching will not bring some to their knees, but often times we make judgments without looking at the full story. When we come to a better understanding of where they are, we make room for God's work and sometimes make room for us to share our views instead of pushing it on them. Too often it seems misunderstandings play a huge role in both race and religious tension among the world today. They may be wrong, but is it our place to judge? As believers we need to know what others believe so we can have intelligent discussions, finding a common ground to better share the gospel, instead of being defensive.
Are the Christians of today too comfortable? I remember my
youth pastor telling us once that something is wrong with us if we are
comfortable and it was not until later that I understood this. Stepping
out of our comfort zone creates humility. We are all human and prone to mistakes, so
our souls need to be constantly fed and nourished just like any other part of
our body, so as to not stunt our spiritual growth. When they are not nourished
it is like someone who is told to lose weight, but does not put in the
recommended exercise and still expects results. Putting into practice spiritual discipline nourishes
our souls; it grows and sprouts abundant fruit for a healthy spiritual growth.
When we neglect to put what we know to be true into practice both outside
and inside the church it cheapens God's grace. We are called to be salt
and light, but most Christians like comfort; churches appealing too
closely to the needs of the people will leave a sense of comfort, discouraging
change. We need people that will spur on people to be the “salt and
light” for others both inside and outside of the church. Yes, our faith
is not based on what we do, but instead on a response or as Mike Donehey puts
it "an overflow" of the faith we have in Christ. He
explains it best in another video, "We are the cathedrals that
house God's spirit...The coolest part about my purpose...is to bring Jesus with
me to my job [whatever you do]". I find often when going through a struggle or God asks me to do
something big, I complain and start to question God, making excuses as to why I
can't. I want God to show up in certain ways, to take away the pain, or
to help me where I see a need in life. There is nothing wrong with that,
but why not instead ask Him what He wants? Just ask and He will make it known.
For who knows us better than the creator of the universe? We
receive this deep connection with the Lord through grace alone and deserve
nothing. When we ask Him what He wants of us, we begin to see
life differently and form a stronger bond with him. Is it any better
than asking for help? No. He says
in Matthew, “ask it will be given”, but when you ask God to see it from His
angle you leave little room to complain. You never know what He could be
teaching you.
This year I have been trying to carry out my dreams in steps instead of simply dreaming big. Through prayer and seeking the Lord more, he has begun to plant all sort of ideas in my head, not only directing my future, but gives me little ideas or inspirations each day. We can all impact the world in some way wherever are both big and small. Sometimes it's the little things in life that matter the most. There are times I may not know, nor fully understand His plan or even why I am to do this or that, but if I just let go with trust and obedience, I will see the way. It sounds so simple and it is, but still requires great stamina and discipline. With Christ anything is possible and he can give us the stamina and discipline we need to serve him.
Compassion:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmRoyqDDs1g
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wktlwCPDd94
Do Something - Matthew
West
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_RjndG0IX8
We are Cathedrals Mike Donehey Video Journal
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0l2UmNy5wA&list=PLrq5kfc63lHdyJ7sHMNwKKqGXmMO4G-OA
Too Comfortable
http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=JMFM9MNU
Love to hear your feedback whether corrective criticism, comments, or even ways you relate to it.