But for some reason, this topic doesn't come easy to me in the writing department--which I have come to notice probably means it doesn't come easy to me at all.
Tonight at church we talked about the Prodigal Son, and even though I have heard that parable probably a million times (Exaggeration. I am aware). Chad asked us to look at it through new eyes, and the first time I heard it (because I sat through it one and a half times) I got the same thing out of it as I normally do--young son and older son both have issues...blah blah blah nothing new.
But tonight I was convicted with the fact that I know this love, I know this freedom that comes with having a father who would love and accept me no matter what I do. I have experienced his endless mercy and forgiveness. I have been transformed by his Holy Spirit and what have I done with that? I have kept it to myself. I literally cannot remember the last time I have started a conversation with someone about Jesus for the simple purpose of sharing my joy with them.
A friend told me that in her church conference type thing, she saw a youtube video of a guy bashing Christians in his life. We usually would dismiss that kind of thing--right? But what if what he had to say was true?
"I mean, honestly, if this whole Jesus thing is as great as you claim it is...if he truly is the only way to any kind of Heaven...then how much do you 'Christians' have to hate me to not tell me about it? Not to offer me the same freedom that you all talk about? Does this mean you want me to go to Hell?
How little do I matter to you that you would ignore me on the street, walk past me in the line at the store, avoid eye contact with me at all costs because it is 'awkward' for you? No..I don't think that 'Christianity' is for me..."
How little do I matter to you that you would ignore me on the street, walk past me in the line at the store, avoid eye contact with me at all costs because it is 'awkward' for you? No..I don't think that 'Christianity' is for me..."
It blew my mind. He was right, and as much as I want to sugar-coat this statement and be like...well I cannot possibly tell EVERYONE about Jesus all the time...he is absolutely right. Am I not so compelled by this message of freedom that I want to share it with everyone I encounter? If I base my entire life and value system on something...isn't it important enough to me to share it with the people around me?
This is something that I have been grappling with for a few weeks as I have been studying James, listening to sermons on 1 Corinthians at church and just listening for the Holy Spirit in my life. I don't believe I am alone. I think we are all called to look t our lives and ask what we are doing to further the kingdom. I am not trying to say that serving in church or doing good things is worse than being the upfront--in your face with the gospel-- type of person...but I think for myself, it is time for a season of that in my life. I need to get out of my comfort zone and being to profess this life of freedom I have found. Because like that guy said. how much hate do I have in my heart for people if I do not take every chance I have to help them find Christ?
Eh, something to ponder.
LF
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