People are watching.
Truthfully, they always have.
The account of the early church in Acts witnesses to the increase in people who wanted in.
Yes, there was persecution and counter cultural living but there was also the awareness of watching something amazing happen: transformation. People looked out for each other’s well being; physically, emotionally, spiritually. They saw people connected in an other worldly way. Divisions were confronted and worked through, people listened to each other, and earthly labels were set aside. They took seriously the cause of Christ and knew they needed each other to spread the news and demonstrate by example. People could not join fast enough.
What do people see now?
Social media and other technology venues have increased our platform for sharing who we follow and the way we are transformed. But what do others see? Is it a movement worth joining? Do we portray a likeness to who we follow?
You were all called to travel on the same road and in the same direction, so stay together, both outwardly and inwardly. You have one Master, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who rules over all, works through all, and is present in all. Everything you are and think and do is permeated with Oneness. (Ephesians 4:4-6)
The same “oneness” that God desired be illuminated by the Israelites to show others “I am God.”
The same “oneness” that Jesus stated would show others who were his disciples.
There is something about that concept of unity that speaks loudly. Perhaps it’s because it gives witness to divine infusion.
The beauty of the church is the diversity within it: different, ethnic backgrounds, genders, political leanings, ages, personalities. But together we are traveling the same road and in the same direction.
Everything you are and think and do is permeated with Oneness. How can we do better?
This post was written for the Five Minute Friday Writing Community. Come join us! http://fiveminutefriday.com/
I don’t know what people see in me, but I sure know that dogs see something.
ABout fifteen minutes ago a neighbour’s dog showed up at my door…again (it’s ell past sunset). He keeps dropping by for a visit, and is seemingly unfazed by the multitudinous other canine residents barking up a storm.
#1 at FMF this week.
https://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2018/11/your-dying-spouse-540-i-didnt-come-this.html
I loved this post friend. Really got me thinking about what I post, who I follow, etc.
Your post reminds me that I once read a poem in my grandma’s Bible. I wish I had written it down, but the core message has stuck with me for many years. It went something like this:
Who do people see who on your pathway fall?
Do they see you alone, or Christ your all in all?
Many thanks for bringing these thoughts to mind once again. Very challenging.