It is hard to imagine past era's, and everything that remains within the history of the world. We remember the evil in order to respect those who died because of it, and then we forget and engage with OUR future. And yet the present is the most crucial part of our lives; the time we need to focus on our gifts and spiritual talents. The world conveys that goals of the future are important; work towards that huge house, get educated so we can earn a big paycheck, procrastinate until the day before our assignments due. But Jesus did not live in the future, he would live in the present.
When you look into the world Jesus has left to preach the good news, what do you see? At first glance, are there preachers reaching out in love? Or do you see rich giving to the poor? People honoring Jesus with their tongues? People trying to SERVE Jesus? If only I could say that those things are the most obvious parts of our world today, but they aren't. When I look out my window, I see a street and houses, and money. I see the busyness of people, I see the storm of the desperate devils reigning over the world like a dark cloud. I see the tongues of man cursing, I see the worlds frantic justification of sin. And it makes me cry.
To follow Jesus's example is to do as he did; to trust God in faith and understand that we ARE NOT in control. Jesus wandered the world homeless, reaching out to the people who were disgraced by society, spat on by the Pharisee's and picked on by the world. He trusted God in faith, and became the example for us...how we should act. We should never be Jesus, but we should act like Jesus. Why? Because it is our job; it became our purpose after Jesus death and ascent into heaven. In Matthew 28:18-20 it says, "Jesus came and told his disciples, "I have been given complete authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this; I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
Life is very busy and painful; I know, we've all been there. We live in this world with the devil on the lose and he tortures all of humanity. But nowhere do I read, "when life gets hard, you can quit." Jesus is instructing his disciples above to go and make disciples. To save others and instruct them so they can go save others too. But that doesn't stop with the disciples...because those are the instructions he left for all those who believe in him.
It's kind of sad to watch the world fall a part; but I think that we as Christians have a duty. To reach out the people around us, and those we don't know. Love them and cherish them, then slowly bring in Christ. We may be busy, but we if we don't have time for God and his calling, then we need to make time.
Remember John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
I think everyone should have a chance at that, don't you?
