Issue 1257 – What Have You Got? September 25, 2023
I opened my inbox this morning and was delighted to find some rabbit and chicken photos. Our friends Kim and Gary have a farm in Clearwater, BC, and she thought I could put the images to use.
When I saw this one, the comment” What have you got?” popped into my head.
Have you ever encountered someone so different from what you might expect that you wondered what was up with them? I know I have met many people. Some were just plain weird, others were delightful and helpful. They are the kind of people you encounter and remember long afterwards.
That’s the way Christians are supposed to be. We are called to be countercultural, loving, generous and forgiving. Now, if we’re honest, none of us is all of those things all of the time, but it is the direction our lives are to be headed.
People we encounter should see we have hope and joy despite our circumstances.
The world has experienced too many believers who are hypocritical and vocal about whatever we are against. It surprises them when we don’t live that way and sometimes piques their curiosity.
I have often met people who set out to bait and test me when they learn I am a Christian. Until that point, their conversation carries on as usual.
Once they hear I have a faith, they unveil their repertoire of off-colour or downright vulgar jokes and unleash a vocabulary that would make the proverbial sailor blush. They bring up topics they are confident will push my buttons and try to set me off.
They are testing me to see if what I believe is what I live. When I survive the barrage (it usually lasts a few meetings), they settle back into regular social intercourse.
We’re not going to agree with every perspective or lifestyle out there. In truth, most of those views are plainly biblically wrong, but that doesn’t mean we have to attack people or their perspectives. We can love and forgive even those who oppose us; not only “can” we, but the Scriptures mandate that we are to do so.
The Bible calls us to live visible lives as Christians.
Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. Philippians 1:27-28
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16
On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head. Romans 12:20
We’re not going to be perfect, but with practice and the help of the Holy Spirit, we will get better at it.
There are political and gender issues that can quickly push all my buttons and get me up on a soap box. I can be unloving. I am striving to be less reactionary and willing to listen more. I need to learn to hear the heart behind someone else’s perspective rather than immediately try to change their mind or defend my thoughts.
I have to remember that it is God who changes people, not me. I sometimes forget that and try to do things on my own.
I’m striving to live that life of love and peace that makes people wonder, “What have you got, and how do I get it?”
May our lives continue to increasingly represent Christ and convey the hope and joy we have found in Him.
Be blessed
Hallelu Yah / Praise God
Kevin
Gleanings From The Word
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (For the glory of God alone)
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All contents, “Gleanings From The Word” and “Experience an Extraordinary God in Ordinary Life,” are © 2001, 2023 KF “Kevin” Corbin Gleanings From The Word.
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is from the English Standard Version (ESV).
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