On THE Good News

One of the helpful (and overwhelming) things about Stint Briefing the other week was the amount of knowledge and wisdom from men and women who have been doing this sort of thing for years.

I had the opportunity to attend three very different seminars that spoke on emotional spirituality, worship in the day to day, and the importance of being a "good neighbor with a great message."

Notes on sharing Christ

Notes on daily time with God

All have impacted and shaped that week. All have impacted and shaped my two weeks left in the States.

 

But, it was this idea of being a "good neighbor" that really struck me. Because to be a neighbor, doesn't that mean that that new place is now your home?

Earlier this summer, I was speaking with my support coach and encourager, Traci, about the outreach she's been doing in her apartment complex in North Carolina. She's been taking a little time each week to knock on doors, introduce herself, and pass out a little gift (popcorn + Jesus Film) to the eclectic grouping of multi-cultural neighbors in her building.

"Karly, it's like I live at the U.N.," she joked. "I don't think there's one country that isn't represented here."

And yet. Most of the men and women and children who live in her building have never met each other, probably never been in an American home or received a housewarming gift.

"The first woman I tried reaching out to was so shocked that I brought her a little gift and introduced myself to her," Traci explained. "She said that after living in the United States for ten years, she had never before had anyone bring a welcoming gift to her and introduce themselves as her neighbor. That it was something that she thought only happened in American movies."

It's pretty convicting to me when Hollywood is a better friend than I am.

"But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”  -Matthew 9:13 (Jesus)

"For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings." -Hosea 6:6

Heavy stuff.

Up until recently, I'd been looking at the DR as just another "place" or "ministry." But, if it's not my home, then how can I love my neighbors as myself? The gospel is more than just proclaiming the Good News. It has to be in my deeds just as much as my words. And I have forgotten the truth in James 2:12-

"Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom"

Amen amen amen. Please pray with me as I ask God to teach me this truth, so it's not just a part of my ministry or this next year, but an extension of my faith for the rest of my days to come.