Wisdom From John
Just how bold am I?
Recently, I heard a sermon that planted the seed of a thought in me and that seed led to this thought…What have I accomplished for God? While I was listening to the sermon I was mentally making a list of "ALL" that I was doing for God. It wasn't until a day or two after the sermon that I realized God had set me up for one of His humorous lessons on pride.
During this sermon, the speaker had thrown down the gauntlet or challenge to all his critics that before they wrote to complain about something, they should send him a list of all the ministries they were involved with and how many souls they had saved. Not being one to refuse a challenge, I began in earnest to make a list of accomplishments just in case I ever had an opportunity to complain to someone.
My thought was that by making this list it would be a good exercise of faith and I could see if I were worthy enough to make a complaint…you know, just in case I ever had a complaint. After reviewing my list of accomplishments, I felt comfortable that I would not be totally embarrassed by putting my list next to others.
Now before I go on, let me offer a little advice here….anytime we begin to take pride in our efforts, God, our heavenly father, starts planning a lesson in humility for us. I totally understand that God loves us, and know, without a doubt, that as a father He disciplines His children when they need correction.
So, there I was the other day feeling very comfortable about my involvement in different ministries and outreaches when the crew and I took our lunch break. I'm not saying I heard God laughing at me, but I'm pretty sure He was saying, "Gotcha" as I walked toward an attractive young black lady. It is important to remember how awkward it is for a young lady to approach a stranger, especially when that stranger is a man.
As we approached each other, she nervously fumbled with her purse and quietly said, "Excuse me sir. May I give you something?" Being the religious man that I am I thought, "Bingo…here comes the Jehovah Witness track." And, it was at that very moment I know I heard someone say, "Gotcha."
For you see, as I looked to see what she was handing me, I saw that it was indeed a religious track. The only problem was that it wasn't a Jehovah Witness track; it said, "Jesus loves you and came that you might be saved." I smiled, she smiled and I told her I was a born again Christian and to save the track for someone else. We laughed nervously, wished each other well and as I walked away God said, "Now, what have you learned?"
What I learned was, this young lady had more courage than I. She was willing to risk rejection from a stranger and she was bold enough to witness on the streets of Pascagoula during her lunch hour. All I was thinking about was what I had done…she was actively doing the Lord's work. I was humbled by her Christian walk.
The challenge of our faith is not to compile lists of accomplishments or to use accounting tactics to play "Gotcha" games. Trust me, God is keeping a good set of books and He does not need our help in maintaining those books. We are to be busy about building the kingdom, keeping our eyes on Him and not others. We are to be looking for opportunities to reach out, not for opportunities to build up our egos. Rest assured, God knows what we are or are not doing. There is no need to prove ourselves to others. It is only God's approval that we need to seek.
I challenge you, my brothers and sisters, to hold me accountable for my actions. I need your help in order to stay on the straight and narrow path. I expect you to come to me in love and correct me according to the scriptures. And, after you have corrected me, I expect you to continue to pray for me and guide me with godly wisdom. Together we will overcome. Together we will push back the darkness. Together we will build the kingdom for the glory of God.
Have a great day.
ICWAO (In Christ We Are One)
Dad/John/Papa John/Johnboy
