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As a Christian, do you ever wonder… like I do… am I equipped to give directions? Do you have a love for God, thankfulness for the sacrifice Christ made for us, and a burning desire to share that Good News with others? Well, read on for some really great news.
As part of what I used to do in product assurance, I needed to be skeptical in the proofs and analysis that people provided to me. I had been arguing a point with some people via e-mail, and a lot of other people were being copied at the same time. Finally, they provided me with actual proof of their assertion, and I responded with the following apology:
“I’m sorry to have been such a doubting Thomas… I’m just trying to make sure we do a thorough job.”
One of the people, a native of Iran, and NOT a Christian came to me to ask about the doubting Thomas reference. I then had a great opportunity to witness to someone who had never heard the Good News of our redemption through Jesus Christ.
I started by opening my Bible to John 20: 19-31… the story of doubting Thomas. A part of the salvation story that we are so familiar with, turned out to be unknown to someone raised in an Islamic country. So was the concept of Jesus as Savior, as he had been taught that Jesus was only a prophet. For 20 minutes, I was able to share how knowing Christ as my savior has radically changed my life, how salvation is an unearned gift of grace, how the kingdom of God is not attainable through pillars of good works… and how he could have a real relationship with our risen Lord. We finished up with me inviting him to our Bible Study group so he could learn more about the Good News.
So… how good were my directions? How would you have done it differently? I’m no Billy Graham, so he didn’t drop to his knees and ask Christ into his life right at that moment. Did I give him directions that helped? Did I do any good at all? Or did I just succeed in keeping him lost?
Here’s the great news I promised… we don’t need to know the exact directions! The Holy Spirit knows EXACTLY how to guide people who are seeking the Truth. God just wants us to be available. When we are available, He can use our love, our excitement, and out passion to reach the world around us. Of course, we make ourselves a little more available when we are part of regular praise and worship. We make ourselves even more available when we open our OWN hearts in prayer, and when we open our OWN minds in study of God’s Word.
We are in the midst of a renovation and building program right now… I would challenge each one of us… how is each one of our OWN spiritual building programs progressing? I hope to see you at the construction site… at worship. Call me if you need directions.
Your brother in Christ,
Dave Hoag
Sometimes Christians are so eager to give the directions that people only want to turn and run the other way. I had an uncle like that; he had been secular Jewish, and discovered the Messiah. But he wasn't nice to be around when I was a kid. And others proclaiming the gospel sometimes only stop there, seemingly yelling at people and telling them the way they *must* go. I do better if I have someone to show me, than just tell me, whatever my endeavor.
ReplyDeleteI am reminded of Holy Hubert at Cal Berkely in in '69/'70. He was usually found near the entrance of the university, proclaiming his faith. One day he was shot by someone who didn't like to hear it. As soon as Hubert got out of the hospital, he went to the jail to show love and forgiveness. That was so unexpected and the person then turned his life around accepting the Lordship of Christ.
I think the way we *are* shows what we believe. Yes, we are flawed and don't get it right, but the heart shows through. As we quietly live before others in the presence of God, and as we do whatever we do as unto the Lord, and as we love, we will be *so different* from what most people expect.
I like the way you put it here:
"...came looking for us, and we followed them..."
Aren't we glad He came looking for us? I know I am. I also know I am 'still under construction' and that if I keep following, the Lord will continue to complete/perfect me until the day I join the saints in heaven.
Wow... what a thoughtful and USEFUL response. Thanks for expanding on the topic, Monica.
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