The Old Testament is where you fall short...everywhere.
The New Testament is what I've done about that.On Day 1, we asked what Scripture said about a genuine reach from God and our evangelical role in it.
John 13:14:
Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet.A genuine reach from God--expressed through our evangelical posture toward fellow believers--would have in it this humility. Exhortation is not exhortation unless it inspires heart change. We are helping each other discover what the authentic and healing touch of Jesus looks like in our everyday lives.
Toward outsiders, those whom we are called to evangelize, we look to Colossians 4:5-6:
Use your heads as you live and work among outsiders. Don't miss a trick. Make the most of every opportunity. Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in conversation, not put them down, not cut them out.Not put them down.
Not cut them out.
Bring out the best in others in our conversation with them.
The superior, evangelical pedestal we sometimes speak from will make obedience to this Scripture impossible.
Compassion is embedded within washing one another's feet and bringing out the best in others in conversation.
Where do we fall short? Everywhere.
What has God done about it? Jesus.
Level playing field. No one is one up on anyone else, not even the most informed evangelical.
We can only dance this evangelical dance if we submit to the lead of our Partner. The Holy Spirit leads us in our demonstration of the Good News. Jesus is the dance; God is the Teacher.
Done well, it is a beautiful sight to behold.
My friend just sent me this prayer:
Lord God, only in your strength can I live a righteous life that pleases You. Please empower me!God's strength is required to do evangelical right, hosting and joining others in our never-ending journey to heart change.
Comments are welcome at feedyourstrength.com.
