I wrote the following as a comment on a young church planter’s blog today. I think you might be interested to know what I think a disciple might look like.
Christ followers?
A young business man who is convinced that Jesus’ claims are true and is trying to follow, but is still lustful and addicted to porn.
A young unmarried mother of two with a history of a broken family, broken dreams, and bad choices who thinks she has met some people who really care, they act like they love her. She is silently asking “Why would God love me?” She has a glimmer of hope that her life might actually change for the better. “Me, a Jesus freak?”
A homeless guy who lost hope many years ago when he lost his family, his business, and most all of his friends because of a crack addiction. He just can’t understand why every few days this older couple comes with a nice meal that they share with him, and warm NEW clothing, and they don’t want anything from me? “What makes them tick?”
A very successful retired couple from New Jersey who moved to Austin to escape the cold winters, high home prices, and high taxes. Two souls tired of boring church where Sunday and Wednesday are two check marks on the list of Christian stuff. They are inquiring because they heard about a small group of people who are loving the community in tangible ways. They are doing yard work for a Catholic widow, an atheist man who is grouchy and in ill health, and a Methodist preacher’s mom. And they don’t expect anything in return? “We have to check this out closer. These people seem to be real Christians”.
There are these in every city, some who are not yet convinced, waiting to be loved, to be told the good news by someone who is not just wanting to add to a number. Some will follow more closely and some at a distance for a long time. And, there are those who will disappoint over and over again.
Love never fails. Love NEVER fails.
Jesus died for the wicked, unrighteous, broken folks. They are waiting by the thousands to experience that love.
How will you and I join God in what He is up to?
Royce
I completely agree with you. So many times people assume that those with faith must be extremely modest and go around proclaiming their beliefs. Personally I have a very strong belief in God but I’m also seen as a rebel. I know many people who are religious but just seem like “average people”. There is no way to describe what a religious person looks like because anyone can have faith.
Natalie, Thanks for your visit and your comment.
Royce
So true
Great post, Royce. Filtering people through the love of Christ is our challenge; when we use ourselves as the filter, boy, do we make a mess. I shudder to think of the number of believers who have struggled in their faith and had to struggle alone. Thanks for your good heart.
Thanks Jackie. I appreciate your kindness and friendship.
Royce
Thanks for the reminder.
Love your writing and how you think. Thanks for posting .
Good stuff Royce! Can you set your postings to be more than just a preview when viewed from a reader? JD told me to complain to you about it!
I don’t know what we would do without JD but sometimes I think it would be nice to try! LOL Just kidding Dobbs!!
I reset it Tuck. Thanks for the heads up and for your comment.
Royce