The people of God are not merely to mark time, waiting for God to step in and set right all that is wrong. Rather, they are to model the new heaven and new earth, and by so doing awaken longings for what God will someday bring to pass.
Philip Yancey
Can you imagine if people were so awesome to each other that strangers would come up to them and say,
“Hey, you rock. I want to know your secret.”
I have acknowledged awesomeness in strangers, but now that I think about it, not often for the express purpose of finding out why they do what they do. I praise parents for having polite children (especially on full airplanes), I comment on folks who do something nice for someone (hey mister you dropped a five-spot), I make known that superior customer service is appreciated (always appreciated), but I don’t think I ever asked WHY. I’m going to start. The answers should be interesting.
Here is another great quote that should be a companion to Mr. Yancey’s.
Be the change you want to see in the world.
Mahatma Gandhi
We are not just marking time on this planet until we get to Heaven. God has given us marching orders. Go into the world. GO. Be my ambassadors He said. Show the world who you are and then tell them why.
So I think we should be more inspirational! Model grace, love and acceptance so well that people want to know why we embrace those qualities. How? GO into the world and BE yourself.
Help a friend, help a stranger, love the unlovable (that means some of your co-workers, family, etc.), start a rock band, find the positive in a negative situation, listen, paint a picture, laugh-cry-work-play with others, be nice when someone is not, get through the hard times with grace/faith, FILL IN THE BLANK____________________, Find your passion and follow it. Be the change and awaken the longings for more than what this world has to offer.
Then when someone asks and they will, tell them why you do what you do. Introduce them to Jesus. I guarantee the conversation will be interesting.
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