Didn’t we first hear this message as Jesus lived his life and offered the greatest voice of love? Now we find ourselves fighting “political battles” and maybe we should realize the battle has already been fought (and won). As Christians, we should put our signs away and start loving the way Jesus intended. Before you say “yes” to this, consider how you carry your sign. Is it a strong opinion on some social issue that lacks love for those that disagree with you? Is it a lack of tolerance for those that believe differently than you? Ponder this question: what did Jesus really mean when he said to “love your neighbor as yourself?”
Does your life have a price tag? I have been watching the “Occupy” demonstrations closely and much of what’s being said is quite interesting (to say the least). It matters not whether you or I agree or disagree; it’s simply a message that people are delivering that have some familiar sounds to them. Such as, does your life have a price? The scripture is clear that the price for your life (and mine) has already been paid. Paid in complete and we carry NO debt. Our debt was paid due to His great and awesome love for who we are. How are we paying the debt of others with our love? It’s just a thought (and a question)…perhaps only you can provide the answer?
1 Timothy 1:3-7 gives us insight into the disciple Timothy’s life. As “mentor,” Paul has carefully sent written instruction. Paul urges young Timothy to “mature” in Christ. Paul boils this message down to one simple concept: love. Not just love, but “love uncontaminated by self-interest and counterfeit faith.” Have you considered what “love” really looks like? Is your love contaminated by self-interest…preconceived ideas…or bias that has been clinging onto your life for some time? Paul asks that we remain ”open” to God in order that we might “reconsider” what love really looks like. I love how successful businessman, Christian speaker and author Zig Ziglar puts it. Sometime (he says) we need “a checkup from the neck up.” Maybe instead the neck…we need “a new start from the heart.”
Great Challenge!
Yesterday (Saturday) we at Central Church experienced a great community outreach in the Music Fest 2010! There was food, games, and music…but most of all, there was worship! The apostle Paul gave us some insight when he instructed us to “reach people in any possible way.” Let’s not miss opportunities that may seem “obscure” and look for “any way possible” to share the love of Christ with others!
