Staying Home

In the account of the healing of the demon possessed man in Mark Chapter 5, there is a principle demonstrated that makes sense. When he asked Jesus if he could go with them, Jesus told him “No, go home to your friends and tell them what wonderful things the Lord has done for you and how merciful He has been.”

We have a responsibility today to share with those around us the wonderful things that God has done for us and how merciful He has been. The Psalmist said, “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so.” Many have said to me that they don’t feel the need to talk about these things, they want to just let their lives show it. The fact is that we are consistently told in the Bible to tell others about God. We are to encourage and invite them to come to God. It seems to me that “just letting my life show it” tends to leave many guessing or untouched. A statement from our mouths however, makes it clear that we are not ashamed of our faith.

Like the healed man in Mark, chapter 5, we have many where we are planted, to share the gospel with. Sharing God’s goodness and mercy with them makes sense. Our actions in life should back up and be proof to what we are saying about God.

Of all the nerve

There is some troubling data in a book I have been picking up from time to time. The book is “Unchristian: What a New generation really thinks about Christianity….And why it matters” In their data about the unchurched they have found an increasing number of people who are not as much opposed to Christianity as they are offended by Christians. It has long been a standard line among unchurched people that the reason they do not go is because the church is “full of hypocrites.” One article I was reading this morning said,”It is hard to be a witness to someone whose nerves you are standing on, especially if you are not even aware you are on them.” It brings up the challenge to live a life of excellence before our fellow man. It is a good habit to take inventory on a regular basis of how we are coming across to those around us that we are needing to lead to Christ. When they see me coming, do they cross to the other side of the street to avoid me or do they come to my side of the street because they want to interact? One of my goals today is to not step on the nerves of others if I can avoid it.

By the way, the road goes two ways. I also need to not be easily offended when someone else steps on my nerves either accidently or on purpose.