Beacons... Of Light & Hope

I'm just letting you know up front... this one might hit hard.

I don't recall when, aside from the past 2 weeks, people's faith has been more called into question over the events and reactions that have arisen nationally and globally. As we continue to move deeper into a post-modern mentality and maintain a perspective that places the global impact at the forefront, living a life of faith becoming increasingly confrontational.

While many would argue it's Christianity doing the confronting, I would dare to say it's a society that has moved farther away from the things of God, demanding Christianity move with them. Eventually placed in positions of compromise... eventually placed in positions where they must reconcile their faith with their environment; whether the truth of God's Word influences and directs life more than political and social pressures.

Thus, in a moment of reflection yesterday, I felt God pose this question. So taken aback, I replied...

"Really? That's what I'm to share?"

Faith begins with the decision of an individual; which is why it's asked in Mark (and Matthew and Luke, for that matter), what does it a profit a man to gain the whole world, yet lose his own soul?

Conversely (and here's the bat)...

What does one gain to minister globally, yet not minister locally?


.....


(letting that sink in)


.....

(a little more?)


....

And we've seen the social media posts.

"If you don't care about this refugee, remove the pro-life sticker from your SUV"
"Jesus was a refugee"  (referring to their fleeing to Egypt after the decree calling for the murder of kids)

Then, this morning...
(and of course, I can't find it to quote it, but it makes my point...)

"If you can't take care of the homeless children in your country...."

The dichotomy is challenging. Jesus commands us to "go", yet He also teaches on stewardship. That to whom much is given, much is required. If we are not faithful in the little things, how can we be trusted with with true riches? Does not this also apply to how we handle and care for our relationships? 

Good job, reaching out to the one across the street. You walked right over the one who sat at your doorstep.

One who is weak, does not call to another weak to help them... they look to one who is strong. The sick look to one who is healthy. The poor do not go the poor to help break the cycle of poverty.

If our faith in Christ is not strong and if we are not faithful where we are, how can God trust us to be faithful elsewhere?

All that to say, if we are to impact the nations for the cause of Jesus Christ, perhaps we should do so from a place of effectively having impacted our neighborhood with the Gospel of Christ.

God help us, this #communitySaturday, to find the balance in reaching out to our neighbors and the nations. May we see and act on the needs around us, whether they be a literal cup of cold water, or a great endeavor. Pray we would be faithful to be used where we are planted; while also not afraid to "go" when God so directs. Pray a grace over our conversations, as the church works to find a balance between faith and good works. While Christians aren't perfect, pray for a continual seeking of the face of God; that we love Him with all that is within us; and love our neighbors. Whether across the street or across the waters; pray a boldness to step out and be ministers of the Gospel and of grace.

To impact our world-at-home
To impact the world-at-large
May the truth of God's World be revealed
As our light so shines before men.
For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

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