I am a runner striving, as the apostle Paul wrote in Colossians 3:17, to (joyfully) do everything, whether by words or actions, "in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Send me I'll go
Send me I'll go
"Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. " Colossians 3:12
Have you ever wondered why "random acts of kindness" and actions like "paying it forward" are so often talked about? Could it be the fact that kindness has become so random? So uncommon in our daily life that when it occurs we are surprised? We seem to live in a world where kindness and self-sacrificing behavior have become the exception and not the norm. In a world where following the path to your own happiness and "finding yourself" seems to be society's goal, I believe we have fallen short of fulfilling our greatest purpose in life-the occasion all of us were designed for. When Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment was, "Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”" Matthew 22:37-40
If we are to love our neighbor as ourselves, why are so many of us failing? Why is the world failing? Could it be that they don't know Christ? If that's the case, then who is really failing? Romans 10:14 says, "How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?" While it's true that we have all been given different talents, gifts and abilities, we all have the same purpose for which to use them. That is to share the love of Christ with all those we encounter through the way we live our lives every day.
So rather than living a life doing acts of random kindness, why don't we start living a life practicing acts of intentional kindness at every opportunity? It's through our actions, words and deeds that we will make a difference. Be intentional today. Be kind. Share Christ at every opportunity. Leading someone to Christ will be the "kindest" thing you will ever do.
Heavenly Father, thank you for the love, grace, kindness and mercy You show us every day. I pray that we would look for ways to show that to others so they will turn to You and know You as their Savior. Let us love others enough to risk ridicule and scorn knowing that all we do is for Your glory. In Your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.
Send me I'll go. I'll go to the nations so the whole world will know your love and compassion. The harvest is ready and the people are hungry to know you. So send me I'll go-William McDowell
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