It's weird how things come together

Kristin and I went shopping on Saturday and ended up at Hastings. I bought 3 books. I have started two; one is a daily devotional entitled The Great Adventure, written by 6 speakers from Women of Faith. The other is entitled Show and then Tell (SATT). Yesterday, the devotional reading, where I am in the book and our small group discussion were related. How funny. What a coincidence. Or is it? Probably not.

The devotional I read yesterday was focused on making yourself available to do God's work now, where you're at regardless of your perceived preparedness. It ends with "We place too much emphasis on ability when God looks for our availability to be used by him now, with whatever we have." How true that is, but at the same time how hard to remember.

The 2nd chapter of SATT was titled 'Loving God and Loving People.' It began with a little quote that said, "When we focus on loving God we can be available for Him to love other people through us." It spoke of how the more time we spend with God whether in prayer, reading the bible or simply meditation (or however you best relate with God for that matter), the more capable we are to invest in those around us. The better that relationship is, the better it will serve us as an example for the relationships we are forming around us. It also talked about availability. It is difficult to be constantly seeking out people wondering how you can share God's love without stepping on toes. But, what is more important that the words you have to say is that action of just being there. Wherever you are, God will use you. So just be there. Let God work on the details. If you let Him, He will. He always does. How does one reflect the light to the world without coming off as arrogant, judgemental and intolerant? There is a passage toward the end that I feel is of utmost importance to share.

"Perry Bowers is a vocational Christian worker in the area of evangelism. Eight years ago he took a job on a church staff as director of evangelism. His dad was a non-Christian, who nonetheless wanted his boy to be a success in his new job. So he called and gave three suggestions as to how Perry should relate to people.

1. Treat us like people, not projects.
2. Take time to teach us clearly. We don't understand your big religious words like sin, grace, and repentance. We can't put our faith in Christ without the facts.
3. Do not be rude. Talk lovingly. Let us control the conversation. You can control the context.

What sage advice for us all."

For those of you who know much about my thoughts on evangelism, you may understand why this was so touching to me. (Of course, this does assume that I actually have readers of this blog!) This is especially because I came from a home which was largely devoid of religion of any kind; as someone who found the Lord in my own time; and as someone who took a lot of detours along the way. I should say, that isn't to say there aren't detours in my future. There are always "wrong turns." Although I prefer detour.. just takes a little longer to get to where you're headed. Back to the point at hand, I am vehemently against the bulk of evangelism. I do not like going out into the world shoving bibles in people's faces. I don't like picketing weddings, abortion clinics, college campuses, rock concerts, or whatever it is that you find so offensive. What are you so threatened by anyway? I abhor those who are so quick to judge others, both fellow believers and non-believers alike. Yes, sometimes I DO get very upset with myself for just that. It is not bringing glory to the Kingdom of God, it is not portraying the kind of example that Jesus taught us to follow and it is certainly not going to convince people that they are sinners who need to receive the grace that we have received through the death of Jesus on the cross. Nonetheless, we are called to be a light, to spread the word to those who do not believe. So, how do we do that? I'm still figuring it out. But, those 3 points are a wonderful start. I've been trying for years, but could not have said it better.

I have gotten completely off topic. Regardless, I think it was something that should have been/needed to be said. I'll get back to you on the small group discussion and how it relates. Until then, ruminate. Stop trying so hard, but be open to whatever will transpire.