Christians are called to be bridge builders.
It had been a steep hike down into the valley. At the bottom, a stream blocked our way to the tiny Southeast Asian village. The water was cold, and the current strong.
It was too wide for even our group’s youngest and most athletic to jump safely. There is no way that those of us who were less than that young and athletic would ever have made the jump, at least not without getting very wet in the middle of the stream.
There were two spots where a trail of rocks made it appear relatively easy to cross, and several of us made a go of it. A couple of us got across (including me, which surprised me. I usually managed to get wet feet in a situation like that), but several of us got wet feet or fell in.
About that time, someone from the village saw that we had arrived and brought out a long board that they laid across the stones and allowed the rest of the group to cross on.
Apparently, they just put out the bridge when they knew someone was coming. When no one was coming, they brought it in to keep unwanted visitors out and the bridge from washing away when the seasonal rains raised the river level. Since we arrived a little early, the “bridge” hadn’t been set out yet.
A simple bridge made a huge difference.
Christians are called to be bridge builders.
We are to tell others about Jesus to aid in bridging the gap between them and Jesus. Holy Spirit does the work of conversion; we simply help lay down the bridge timbers by sharing the truth and the way we live our lives.
We are to build bridges of peace and reconciliation. We are to build bridges of love. We are to build bridges into a hostile world and self-centered culture in order that people might find the truth.
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35
Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:20-21
For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard?[And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” Romans 10:13-15
If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Romans 12:18
Preaching is more than standing behind the pulpit declaring the truth. All of us are preachers. We proclaim Jesus by the way we treat others and the way we live our lives.
When our witness is loving and consistent, we preach well. We are poor preachers when we are less than loving or no different than the world.
We build bridges to a hurting world when we preach, either by word or deed. Some bridges are safe and inviting and some cause people to look toward alternate routes.
Until next time, what kind of bridges are you building?
Kevin
You might enjoy
Grace and space – we need to give it and receive it
