Passion, Community, And Commitment

         

          A young woman visited our church congregation some time ago before her trip to a foreign, third world country, to do missionary work. She would be teaching primarily young children, but given the area she would be in, explained it would be impossible to even give those she loved, information about exactly where she was. I found her passion and follow through amazing!  

         God has gifted many of us with skills and talents we may not give a second thought to.  We are skilled at mechanics, sewing or quilting, cooking, teaching, conversing, cleaning, or a hundred other skills.  We may have a heart for the aged or very young, those who are in prison, or the poor.  We have expertise unique to us, in our area of the world, in which we live!  It’s when we use the proficiencies, which are “acting on our Godly passions” to aid those less fortunate, that we answer the call of God asking “Whom shall I send?”     

         Each of us are afforded opportunities every day to act upon our personal abilities that would in some way help another person, but very often we hold back because we are worried about “political correctness” and wondering if there will be someone who would misunderstand our motives.

         Perhaps you’ve even considered buying a sandwich in a fast food place for a homeless person, or volunteer to serve food at a shelter, visit a children’s hospital, or nursing home.  Following through can be daunting, considering the world we live in! 

         Certainly, we all have our “own worlds” that are nothing less than busy!  It’s hard to find a time to commit to act on our Godly passion, when our own family already needs us.  But I encourage you to consider how you might be able to encourage someone else.  Send that note or visit a nursing home, or even take food to a shut-in, in your very own community.  There are countless ways to use your knowledge and capabilities to “love on” another person.  

         There is one other way that bears comment about passion, community and commitment.  The men and women serving in the military to keep our country safe and our freedoms free, is the highest form of love for both our country and her people.  They put their lives on the line every day and often we neglect to offer gratitude for their personal selflessness.  On this Memorial Day, I urge you to reach out and hug a military person, and as importantly, remember those who gave their lives so we each have the right to live in a place of unequaled freedom.  It's a priceless gift.

         Allow these times “of loving,” whether it be a simple act of kindness to a neighbor, or a life of sacrifice for our country, to be an opportunity for God to shine brightly through you, and enable you to share. People all around are starving to be accepted and loved.  It may not be easy to reach out, but if you can pull on your courage, asking God to show you how, your unique passion for your community will be a very special gift for another person in need.  

Going Against The Grain

         Numbers 14:6-10a Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had explored the land, tore their clothes and said to the entire Israelite assembly, “The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good.  If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will devour them. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them.” But the whole assembly talked about stoning them.

         We can see disagreements in the political world every day! One person will say one thing, and within moments, with our social media, there is usually an immediate response, often in the form of a tongue lashing for any variety of reasons!  With all the bickering going on, it’s hard to know what is really right and what is wrong, not to mention how each person actually feels about a particular issue!

         Disagreements and broken friendships/relationships didn’t begin just within the last twenty or even fifty years.  There were disagreements between others as far back as Biblical days, as indicated by our scripture; and even with friends in the Revolutionary War and Civil War, as well as others.  It’s been seen time and again over the last decade, given our current political climate.  It seems like just around the curve, while new allies are born, friendships are dissolved, with little hope of restoration.   

         Everyday friends in our non-political world also split; and often due to disagreements that become hostile and ugly.  Even families have been known to lose all measure of civility when disagreements escalate to the point of such anger that relationships are completely dissolved.  

         A friend shared just this week that his family was having a reunion, but some of the siblings would not attend because there was a rift between siblings over something that happened when they were young children. How can this be?  How can a person stay angry over something for so long, due to a difference of opinion or other supposed infraction?

         There were many people in Jesus’ day who did not agree with Him.  He was the Son of God and many could not or would not accept Him as such.  Yet, he continued to teach and love.  He offered forgiveness for those who would choose to believe in him.  Still, because he went against the grain of what was traditional or “normal” he was rejected, scorned, scoffed at, and even hated.

         Perhaps there are those within your friend group, or family circle who have hardened their hearts to forgive because of a disagreement, years long passed.  It may have been over something significant, or possibly over a simple misunderstanding that was blown completely out of proportion.

         I encourage you to reflect on those with whom you have contact with, whether it be workplace, school, family or a friendship that has seen the door closed.  Just as Christ went against the grain to make right relationships through his teachings, perhaps there is a way you could reach out to someone to initiate the bonds of relationship once again.

The Making Of A Hero

Heroes come in all shapes in sizes, and often the definition depends on culture, background and sometimes even religious perspective.  Dietrich Bonhoeffer spoke out against Nazism in Germany.  Helen Keller overcame both deaf and blindness, becoming an advocate for these disabilities. Thomas Jefferson was instrumental in the American revolution and Winston Churchill inspired Britain during their battle against Nazi Germany.  Harriet Tubman became active in aiding slaves to freedom and Joan of Arc, a simple peasant girl, led the French army into battle! These are only a few from a “list of famous courageous people who sacrificed their own comfort to stand up for principles of human dignity and liberty.”1

What makes a hero? When I hear the word ‘hero’ I can’t help but think of the 9/11 attacks nearly 7 years ago!  Much was said about those firefighters and emergency personnel who honestly performed heroic acts.  They worked tirelessly and selflessly to save as many victims as possible during that horrible disaster.  And as brave and courageous as all these men and women were, the truth is our firefighters, police and military personnel do this day in and day out, and hardly is any recognition given.

Jesus is rarely described as a hero.  Yet wouldn’t He exemplify the word to the greatest degree?!  Jesus was a man who went against what was traditionally taught and against the greatest evils of this world.  He went so far as to defy death with His resurrection.  What mere man can make that claim?  He set the stage for the opportunity of change in the right direction.

So the question bears asking.  Can anyone be a hero?  It is said happiness is staying focused on your mission, not your results.  We can be happy when we are humble, gentle, and patient.  When you add goodness, knowledge, self control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love, while thinking about what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy, we have the perfect recipe for happiness!  

When we feel good about who we are because we are focused on the task before us, even if it seems dangerous to any observers, we can be heroic, even if others do not view it in the same light.  

Sometimes the task before us is to grow spiritually.  That requires the dedication of a hero, as well! It takes faithful determination to search the scriptures with diligence, while staying focused on the message.  

I encourage you to consider your heroic actions!  As you read The Word and consider what it is saying to you, personally, you have the opportunity to grow spiritually, giving you the guidance you desire.  You can become enabled do heroic deeds for your family, friends and neighbors, whether it’s to deliver a meal, share a hug or smile, teach children in a classroom, or perform some other act of kindness.  

1  https://www.biographyonline.net/people/famous/courageous.html