Read It, Learn It, Live It, Share It
“He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.” – Matthew 10:40
Every now and then a young man, sometimes a woman, will walk up my driveway and sidewalk to ring my door bell. Upon answering the door I generally find an individual standing there with a clipboard in hand and a backpack over their shoulder. Their immediate friendly hello and fast paced talking leads me to the conclusion that they are going to sell me something. Glancing over their shoulder, I realize that they have no vehicle and have been dropped in the neighborhood to gather information (i.e. Name, Address, Phone, Credit Card #, Birthdate). They are most times selling magazine subscriptions to help a youth group or a homeless shelter or a mission team saving for a trip. With no credentials of the stated objective though, it’s often times very hard to buy into their story.
We made the mistake of supporting one young man a few years back. We actually signed up to receive a few magazines for the kids and filled out the order form. I realize, pretty naïve`, but every now and then I want to trust humanity again. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the right time to do it. By Christmas that year our identity had been stolen and there were bank accounts recreated in my name all across North Texas. Fortunately, we were advised of the breach and put an end to the spending spree associated with my identity, but not before they had bought all of their Christmas presents, including a few flat screen TV’s and some designer clothes and shoes. Now, whenever a young man or woman begins the trek up to my door, it is an immediate “No thank you” before they even get to their introduction speech.
It’s a shame that people stoop to prying on the innocent to steal and manipulate their way through life. There is a message that is so unbelievably powerful that should be told door to door. It requires no credit card, no personal information, and no signature. It simply requires one to hear the word and respond. In the days after Jesus Christ’s death on the cross, the disciples spread the Good News throughout the world at that time. They did it door by door, person by person and built the foundation of what we now know as the Christian church. Where is that passion? Where is that boldness and courage to actually care about expanding the church, rather than just participating in it?
We have become the comfortable, complacent, Christian church. We make our way through each week saying our prayer in the morning and at the dinner table. If the opportunity comes up to mention Jesus’ name in a conversation, we may become bold for a moment or two throughout the week. Sometimes, we will go to a church service on Wednesday or Thursday evening, but most of the time our own priorities get in the way. Then we are in our pew seat on Sunday morning, ready to worship for an hour, maybe an hour and a half, but it better not last longer than that, because we have things to do on Sunday afternoon. Is this what Jesus Christ asked His disciples to do? Is this the image of Christianity that Paul, Peter, John, Mark and the others fought to the very end of their lives to build?
Let’s face it folks, for most of us, our Christian walk is nowhere near the top of our priority list in life, and that’s a shame. It’s the single most important thing you have ever encountered, and you are choosing to sit on it. If you, like me, are feeling somewhat convicted and questioning your faith, good you should be. We are called to be His disciples and to spread His word. The only thing stopping you from doing that are the choices you make with your daily walk. So, today, you have to make another choice on what you will do with the grace, love and mercy He has given you. Either keep it to yourself, or choose to share it with others. Some will accept it, many will not. But, I guarantee if you don’t attempt to share it, some will never even realize the choice they must make in life.
We made the mistake of supporting one young man a few years back. We actually signed up to receive a few magazines for the kids and filled out the order form. I realize, pretty naïve`, but every now and then I want to trust humanity again. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the right time to do it. By Christmas that year our identity had been stolen and there were bank accounts recreated in my name all across North Texas. Fortunately, we were advised of the breach and put an end to the spending spree associated with my identity, but not before they had bought all of their Christmas presents, including a few flat screen TV’s and some designer clothes and shoes. Now, whenever a young man or woman begins the trek up to my door, it is an immediate “No thank you” before they even get to their introduction speech.
It’s a shame that people stoop to prying on the innocent to steal and manipulate their way through life. There is a message that is so unbelievably powerful that should be told door to door. It requires no credit card, no personal information, and no signature. It simply requires one to hear the word and respond. In the days after Jesus Christ’s death on the cross, the disciples spread the Good News throughout the world at that time. They did it door by door, person by person and built the foundation of what we now know as the Christian church. Where is that passion? Where is that boldness and courage to actually care about expanding the church, rather than just participating in it?
We have become the comfortable, complacent, Christian church. We make our way through each week saying our prayer in the morning and at the dinner table. If the opportunity comes up to mention Jesus’ name in a conversation, we may become bold for a moment or two throughout the week. Sometimes, we will go to a church service on Wednesday or Thursday evening, but most of the time our own priorities get in the way. Then we are in our pew seat on Sunday morning, ready to worship for an hour, maybe an hour and a half, but it better not last longer than that, because we have things to do on Sunday afternoon. Is this what Jesus Christ asked His disciples to do? Is this the image of Christianity that Paul, Peter, John, Mark and the others fought to the very end of their lives to build?
Let’s face it folks, for most of us, our Christian walk is nowhere near the top of our priority list in life, and that’s a shame. It’s the single most important thing you have ever encountered, and you are choosing to sit on it. If you, like me, are feeling somewhat convicted and questioning your faith, good you should be. We are called to be His disciples and to spread His word. The only thing stopping you from doing that are the choices you make with your daily walk. So, today, you have to make another choice on what you will do with the grace, love and mercy He has given you. Either keep it to yourself, or choose to share it with others. Some will accept it, many will not. But, I guarantee if you don’t attempt to share it, some will never even realize the choice they must make in life.
© Sondove Enterprises, 2013
For more Daily Thoughts go to: http://sondove.blogspot.com
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For more Daily Thoughts go to: http://sondove.blogspot.com
If you would like to be added to the email distribution please click here: Daily Thoughts
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