Got your attention?
Good.
If you thought this was going to be a post about whether the Earth is 6,000 or 6,000,000,000 years old, you’ve come to the wrong place. We’ve had those discussions ’round these parts and frankly, I’m sick and tired of those discussions…mainly because they simply detract from the simplicity of the Gospel. I find it rather amusing that so many Christians will waste inordinate amounts of time debating the age of this 3rd rock from the sun when so many folks out there remain spiritually lost, apart from Jesus. Let’s face it, so many Christians waste more time in committees debating the merits of organs versus guitars rather than worry about the many folks out in our cities and suburbs who are spiritually lost, apart from Jesus.
Where is the sense of urgency that was apparent in the Church in the second chapter of Acts? Who today has the faith of Cornelius in Acts 10, the very same passage in which Peter is told that the Gospel must be spread beyond the Jewish community and to the Gentiles? If it weren’t for that event, you and I would likely be still those who are spiritually lost, apart from Jesus.
Our local churches need to get beyond our four walls and get dirty, covered in the muck and grime of our communities, to the places where folks are spiritually lost, apart from Jesus. We should “be strong and courageous” (Joshua 1:9) reaching those who are spiritually lost, apart from Jesus.
A handful of us took our first steps that way on Saturday, as we handed out free bottles of water (unopened, of course!) to runners, walkers, and bikers at a nearby trail. We also had a bowl of water (which we refilled a couple of times) for walkers with their dogs. We handed out several bottles, most of which were received graciously – one couple had been hiking for a couple of miles, hadn’t brought any water, so were touched and excited to each receive a bottle as they returned to their starting point.
We had no agenda, other than to express the love of Jesus in a practical way. We were simply showing kindness to our neighbor by giving them water (Mark 9:41).
I’ll admit – I was nervous when we first started on this little mission – but when we were finished an hour later, we all were beaming and excited at how God touched a handful of lives through us; the simple act of giving away water planted new seeds.
And I see that my spiritual journey has evolved in a new direction…
It really is a question of balance in one’s walk — administration v. evangelism v. discipleship. Getting the balance correct can be difficult although that is why certain people have certain gifts and talents. We should be careful to acknowledge the talents of others and make sure that we’re not imposing our perceived “hierarchy of gifts” upon that which God has bestowed for a purpose.
Cheers.
Now while you were handing out this water you had a perfect chance for evangelism – wasted, in my opinion. When they were standing there, you should have pointed out this commandment to them:
“Thou shalt not go hiking without WATER!”
People is this nice, friendly, climate sometimes forget that our bodies need water to survive.
That being said, why were they out hiking anyway? Did they not have enough emphysema at home? With all the fire smoke in the air, this last weekend was a great time to stay home.
(No, but seriously, that really sounds awesome. There have been many times when I would have really been touched by just such a gesture. I’m sure you helped God reach people whom might otherwise wandered on their own paths.)