"There is a just world coming. It will be set right. It will be restored. In the meantime, give others a taste of that world." Pastor David McWilliams, October 20, 2002, Covenant Presbyterian Church, Lakeland FL.
We live in a pagan culture. If that sounds shocking, look around...USA is not a Christian culture. It borrows values from that world view but our country is not Christian. As a believer, how can I make a difference?
In the last few weeks I have received various e-mails regarding Opportunities from the Polk County Board of County Commissioners. If your educational philosophy embraces a lifestyle of learning approach, then making room for volunteer activities that match up with your family is education in action. I encourage you to consider volunteering within the community in areas that fit your interests, hobbies, talents. That match will be different for each family.
Some may ask, "Why choose a secular organization when I can serve in a ministry within the church?" I 've been giving that much thought. There is legitimacy in both but I'm wondering if rubbing shoulders with movers and shakers of secular "good works" would, over time, make more impact? We isolate so much as Christians thinking that is how to be obedient to James 1 :27. This means leaving my comfort zone.
Can I purpose to keep my Christian distinctive and engage the culture for Christ by remembering to know Christ, show Christ and speak Christ... in that order? Can I refrain from verbally witnessing until a relationship is established and instead first show others with my actions, compassion for a fallen world? Christianity is not a quick fix. I have the answer however it takes time to invest in the lives of others. It is a process before and after conversion. Will I make the commitment?
"When God makes us new creations, we are called to make new creations around us. We are signs" Pastor David McWilliams, August 24, 2003, Covenant Presbyterian Church, Lakeland FL.
Great post.
Posted by: mesh at September 11, 2003 08:22 AMExcellent questions! I found your blog researching for a new blog I'm starting called "Through a Glass Darkly" which will touch on similar issues. I invite you to read and comment: www.davidopderbeck.com/throughaglass.html
Posted by: David Becke at March 10, 2004 01:20 PM
interesting thoughts to think on.
which is what i'm doing now...