"Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written." ... John 21:25
"... by love, serve one another." ... Galations 5:13
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You know that nearby cafe I'm always writing about?
Usually I'm the only person sipping my coffee there. Oh, a couple folks will buy take-out drinks and scones or muffins, but they step back outside and it's just me and one of the sweet young owners again.
And that's about when I say a prayer that this place will prosper like crazy for the owners' sakes and, ok, for mine, also. 😉
Then one morning back on March 20th! Oh my. People galore came and a line formed to the door, even. Incredible. Encouraging. Like answered prayer.
These following weeks I'd wondered about that day (slow mornings resumed), then last week I discovered this online--
“Grab coffee and a treat before work! ______ Community Development is organizing a Cash Mob at ______ Cafe on Tuesday, March 20, 2018, from 7 am to 9 am.
Definition of a Cash Mob: A cash mob is a group of people who assemble at a local business to make purchases. The purpose of these mobs is to support both the local businesses and the overall community and providing a social opportunity. They are a form of flash mob, and are inspired by them."
Wow. Does that make you smile, or what? In fact, it even reminded me of Jesus, you know, this verse--
"Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him." ... Acts 10:38
Jesus led a simple life: He went around doing good. But us? Sheesh, we complicate it. "Does the small stuff even matter?", we ask ourselves. Or we get sucked into the lie, instead, that convincing others to hate certain people/places or lifestyles is the braver, fight-for-what's-right way.
We choose to love. We choose to hate and I'm sorry, but (venturing out on a limb, but hey, it's my blog)-- when Jesus fed the thousands with the boy's lunch, He did not tell the disciples, "Don't give any bread or fish to the gay lifestyle people. Walk past those who are different so they will learn a lesson."
Er hem. (Think about it awhile before commenting on auto-pilot, ok?)
But anyway, a cash mob so to encourage local businesses! Now, that's 'doing good' and truthfully, I can just see Jesus taking part, even if it meant standing in a line while waiting long for His coffee. He brought God and His potential-for-healing-miracles presence with Him wherever He went.
As do we. No, really.
Daily Jesus chose the loving way, which probably meant dealing with cranky, ill folks, changing plans and other inconveniences. Yet He responded with kindness anyway, because that's what love does.
Again and again, even if your own 'cash (or flash) mob' consists of just you and Jesus.
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Give up? Here's a hint:
"There was an old woman who lived in a shoe..." 😊
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My ol' Rhodie is flashing bright this Spring-
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- Love is the doorway through which the human soul passes from selfishness to service.
Jack Hyles
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Words to think on this morning. And yes, I agree that Jesus would have never passed by anyone, no matter their lifestyle, values, sin. But, and it is a big but, He also never left anyone in their sin. He took care of their needs and then He convicted them of what they were doing and if it was wrong he told them. Lovingly. Just like the woman at the well. We need to emmulate that part of Jesus. The Jesus who told people when they were sinning, how to begin living a life that He will be glorified in, but without harsh words and anger.
ReplyDeleteJust my thoughts onn this cloudy rainy day.
Blessings,
Betsy
Ah yes, true, Betsy! But how is refusing service to those who are gay doing any of that? That's my point. Plus, the greater concern these days is our rights--and that shouldn't matter more than loving others into wholeness. Only when they're brought to God through His love can they see His light and truth. Just more of my thoughts. Hope you get sunshine soon! Blessings, Debra
ReplyDeleteA huge question for sure. And I don’t know the answer. I think the people who are refusing the service feel it would seen as if they’re condoning the lifestyle. However, usually the people wanting the service know exactly how the provider feels and is just pushing their own agenda. In every case that I’ve heard of, they are not open at all to hearing about the love of Christ and unless it’s the Jesus that they want to make him into. Not arguing at all. Just trying to figure out this minefield that our world has become. It’s that old hate the sin, love the sinner. And many Christians feel as if everything they believe in is being trampled these days. I truly appreciate the fact that you address the hardsubjects Debra.
ReplyDeleteI hope you’re having a wonderful afternoon. I’m listening to the thunder booming in the rain pattering down.
Blessings, Betsy
Hi again, my friend! You read here so faithfully so you know I like to keep things simple. So for me? This is an easy one. I'll 'serve one another with love', recall (and do) 1 Corinthians 13, and not expect the unsaved to act like they're saved. 😏 Once they come to know Jesus, He can then show them how to live. Only then can they understand. Thanks for commenting and may you have lots of sun today. 🌞 Blessings, Debra
ReplyDeleteDearest Debra, another wonderful post!! Although I was brought up in an environment that judged others, I truly believe that the very best way we can serve God is by loving others, without judgment. Sometimes the smallest acts of kindness matter most. BTW, I love hearing about your neighborhood cafe! Blessings to you, the cafe owners, and all who enter it.
ReplyDeleteThanks,Pam! If only we could all keep in mind the great power of love for, like, more than ten minutes, right? :) So glad you like my cafe stories. It's kinda ridiculous how much I enjoy going there--must be Grace! Blessings, Debra
ReplyDeleteLike Betsy said, this world and how a Christian should behave in it has become such a minefield. My husband and I pray daily that we will be salt and light in a mixed up world, and we've decided that when it comes to individuals, we will treat them with love, respect, and kindness no matter their morals. When it comes to institutions that seem set on going against biblical standards and bringing down people of faith, we will stand firm in our beliefs and not allow them to violate our consciences. So in a nutshell: love individuals, period; stand strong against institutions that condone or glorify sin.
ReplyDeleteDeb--yep! Sounds like a good plan, especially since that's how God views us--as individuals and that's why Jesus died for us--as individuals. It's also less complicated to think 'one by one' instead of 'thousands by thousands'. 😏 Blessings, Debra
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