We live in interesting times. A quick look at the news headlines from recent days and weeks reveals the speed and intensity with which the world is changing or has already changed. At times, these changes may bring with them great social advances or developments. Yet they can also bring confusion, frustration, and anxiety.
As disciples, how are we meant to respond and engage the world around us?
When we look at the life of Christ we see our Lord enter into a world that was at times hostile towards Him. We see a world that had turned away from God’s original design and rejected His plan for them and the whole of creation (See Genesis 1:26-27). Jesus didn’t come to the world because it was flourishing and simply needed his divine affirmation. No, He came into a world that was sick and in need of His healing. When He came, and walked and served among us, He didn’t come with hatred or disdain, but with compassion and love.
If we are to live out our Lord’s word to be salt and light (see Matthew 5:14-16), it is vital that we have his same heart of love for the world around us. We must remember that it was in our brokenness, when we were the most unlovable, that God showed His great love for us. We must remember that our Lord Jesus was accused of being “a friend of tax collectors and sinners” (See Matthew 11:19). Do our lives reflect the heart of our Savior for the lost that someone might make the same accusation of us?
When we see our culture departing from moral and ethical truths, there is a temptation to fight and dig in our heels. Yet we can get so caught up in fighting and defending the faith that we lose sight of our primary call as disciples: to love as Christ loved us (See Ephesians 5:2). Jesus never shied away from calling people to repent (reconsider their way in light of the Gospel) and embrace the transformative grace of God, yet His invitation was always preceded by hospitality and love.
Jesus came not to condemn but to love the world, and for those of us who follow him, we must pray for the strength, grace, and courage to go and do likewise.
Our Prayer: Father give us a heart like yours to serve others with humble compassion, hospitality, and love. By the power of your Spirit provide us with the power to make changes in our lives, homes, friendships, and work places as we love others as you have loved us Amen.
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Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd. Mclean Va. 22101
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd. Mclean Va. 22101
Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"
Mission: Exalting, Evangelizing, Equipping, and Encouraging every soul in Christ
Listen to "Life Notes" & "Kingdom Impact with Pastor Brown
Mon-Fri at noon and Sundays at 9am and Wednesdays at 9pm on WBGRonline.com
www.fbcc-va.org
www.fbcc-va.org
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