Today I’m following the thread of messages Rebekah is loosely organizing around the ongoing 2020 theme, “Being a Christian in an election year.”
Last week it was “Grumbling and Arguing“, earlier in the month the focus was “Justice”, then this Sunday morning we looked at the consistent and persistent emphasis the teachings of the Bible place (and require) on “Kindness.”
Rebekah’s teaching – and this is typical for her – goes well beyond the fact that each one of us could benefit from shoring up our biblical foundation. We are not just called to knowledge when it comes to what is appropriate and what is beneficial; the Christian community is called to leadership. If our salvation is transformative then we are called to be agents of change, catalysts for a movement
“The Bible,” Rebekah said, “likes this [kindness] theme a lot.” This is how we shine; this is how we show God’s love; this is how we follow Jesus; this is how we do faith; this is evidence of the Spirit at work in and through us; this is what salvation looks like.
I love the way the words of Colossians invite us to literally dress ourselves in the things of Jesus: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Colossians 3:12).
This way we are not trying to remember to “do the occasional good deed” – but actually taking on the character of a servant leader in the way that we interact with the world.
“Now people are going to know that you are my friends!” Jesus will say. There is very little that can effect positive change with the power and the durability of kindness, compassion, humility, gentleness, and patience.
Take a look at the video. Then ask God what it would take to see you fitted with such garments of humility and grace – DEREK
