Shine: Week 3 - Day 2
OPENING PRAYER:
Dear Lord, please help us to see and live in the whole world you’ve made for us. Please give us the strength and confidence to step into it to share you with all the people, not just the people with which we’re most comfortable.
READ: Acts 13: 44-49 (NIV)
“On the next Sabbath, almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy. They began to contradict what Paul was saying and heaped abuse on him.
Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. For this is what the Lord has commanded us: “‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”
When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.
The word of the Lord spread through the whole region.”
REFLECT:
As I write this reflection piece, the election has just concluded, sort of, and results are coming in across the country. The people who are victorious, among a variety of factors, were likely able to connect with more people than those who lost. Chances are, if we studied the efforts of each side of a race for a House or Senate seat, for example, we’d find that the winner more often than not made more connections with people who didn’t already think, act and look like them. It’s natural to connect with people we perceive as being like us, but if influence is what you’re seeking, it’s necessary to reach all types of people. Those who are bold enough to try to reach all types of people will increase their impact, and in the case of elections, are probably more likely to win.
Just as a person who believes they have the right ideas for their state or country may try to connect with all types of people to win office and make where they live better, we as Christians have the same type of opportunity but on a grander scale (and no need for recounts). As Christians, we have the best news of all. We must not limit ourselves to sharing that news only with people just like ourselves. It might feel good and affirming to bounce our good news back and forth off each other, but if that’s all we do, we’re missing opportunities to further God’s kingdom. Paul’s command is our command. If we connect with all types of people and share our good news, the influence of Jesus will travel everywhere. The outcomes of elections are important, but their impact is only temporary. Belief in the saving grace of Jesus is eternal.
APPLY:
Are you in a bubble when it comes to who you interact with on a regular basis? If you find it difficult or uncomfortable to reach out and connect with people who are culturally different, than consider doing a little research into those cultures. It’s natural to feel uncomfortable with that for which we are unfamiliar. Let a little knowledge and insight empower you to reach out to new people.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Thank you Jesus, for your saving grace. Thank you for all the opportunities you provide for us to grow our faith and trust you more and more.
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