Living Our Faith Out Loud
In an election voting location, it is required that the poll workers (the judges, the clerks, etc.) be equal party affiliations. Republicans and Democrats working side-by-side. Imagine that!
If we were in a debate, we would, more than likely, have opposing opinions about who our next Texas Governor, Mayor or other party leaders should be. We may not agree on political candidates, but we definitely agree that relationships matter more than politics.
Those working in this election enjoy getting to know each other, our backgrounds and families, etc. Outside of these days of voting, we might even want to eat and enjoy doing life together. We treat each other with respect, disagree agreeably (and often with humor), and model being loving, caring and responsible adults. We might not agree on everything, but we know how to act.
We are civil. We are having civil conversations with people who don’t think like we do. We are God’s children. Think about it. If everyone thought the same, it could get boring, but I am loving my neighbor…..and it feels like they are loving me.
Remember the battle cry of the Three Musketeers? “All for one and one for all”? That sounds like a lofty goal, especially in light of the many different, opposing groups of people in this world. If ever Christians needed to become “All for One and One for All”, it is today. What does that mean? It means that our lives should become so “Light” bearing, that they are drawn to that Light.
People need to see us manifesting the character of Christ, speaking the truth in love with courage and compassion. The more bitter others are, the more persuasive OUR witness will be. Right now is a great opportunity for Christianity. If we lived our faith, it would be extremely attractive to people. It differentiates Christianity from all that’s going on in the world.
In Galatians 5:14, Paul wrote, “For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” I think Paul is talking about the commradery and love of neighbor that the Three Musketeers had for each another. We can learn from their unity and loyalty. As followers of Jesus Christ, not only do we strive to serve, protect, and love God, but we are also called to serve, protect, and love each other.
Today, I’m thinking of ways that we can join our hands and hearts to be a part of something greater than “my four and no more” — greater than “What’s in it for me?” What if we began to pray and humble ourselves to become God’s servants who live a life of ONE ANOTHER LIVING? “What can I do for you? What can I do for the cause? What can I do for the team?”
Let’s live our faith. Let’s let people know we are Christians – not by screaming it out from the rooftops. If we know anything about this culture, they’re screaming at Christians “Don’t tell me. Show me.” Let’s live our Christianity and teach others how to do the same!”