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1. Often times, the Spirit gives me pictures. I wanted to share one in hopes that maybe someone needs to hear this:
2. Yesterday, while I was working out in our lovely hotel gym I was reflecting on the state of our country. I’ve watched families, friends, co-workers, and churches divide over political stances.
3. I’ve watched the marginalized become fictional characters, stripped down, and dehumanized in the mouths of… Christians I am concerned with the ways we talk about those we disagree with as though they are dangerous characters to be feared from a fictitious movie.
4. If someone disagrees with us, the are the “dangerous other.” We fail to remember that they are created from the same God we have been created.
5. As tensions rise, the more fearful many are becoming, and consequently the more doubling down, defending, name-calling, and fighting happens. As these concerns were swirling in my mind, I was also praying for a clear picture of my future as a pastor:
6. “Lord, show me what being a faithful shepherd looks like in this season.”
God gave me the simplest and most beautiful picture.
God gave me the simplest and most beautiful picture.
7. I saw myself taking people by the hand – one by one – and walking them to the feet of Jesus. As we held hands, we together *beheld* the presence of Jesus, fell to our knees, and worshiped. Just that – one by one – taking people by the hand and walking them to Jesus.
8. Together beholding. Together worshipping. Together awestruck. It was as though the Spirit said, “That. Just do that. Faithfully.”
Christian, do that, and do it faithfully.
Christian, do that, and do it faithfully.
9. If you engage in conversation, don’t do it at the expense of pointing to Jesus.
When you talk politics, do it as you behold, elevate, and point to Jesus.
When you talk politics, do it as you behold, elevate, and point to Jesus.
10. You see, sometimes we do all these things at the expense of our witness, and we consequently de-elevate Jesus in our mouths and actions. So much is at stake here. Too much.
11. Yes, the world is in tumult. But whatever you do, wherever you are, whatever you say, elevate Jesus with your actions, conversations, and postings. Do that, and do it faithfully.
