In our last two posts we have talked how sometimes our faith and the way we live our lives are a bit disconnected. Much of this is a result of living in a distant society where we don’t know how to interact with others. We then looked at the life of Paul and find that He was able to develop relationships where he was real, because his life focused on pleasing God and not man. This led him to love others, so much that he was willing to sacrifice, to share his faith and life with them. What does it look like to develop this real, practical, sacrificial love for others? I have to be honest I have not been doing this well lately, so I am going to share with you a few stories of people who I see living this out.
At first Jade seems like an ordinary guy, that one would love to be friends with, but as you hear Jade’s story, you realize that he is a modern-day Paul. Several years ago, Jade started a landscape business to provide for his family. Before he knew it, his landscape business became an opportunity for him to love and care for others. As he mowed lawns, he heard stories and he found out about practical needs. Because of his faith, he felt a need to respond. He has provided jobs for those struggling with money. Working alongside of Jade then inspired them to want more. Many of these people eventually moved on to jobs that fit them, their lifestyle, and their dreams. He has done household repairs, sometimes along with the homeowners help, because they could not afford to pay for it all to be done by someone else. By being present in the community Jade developed a love for the people. For years he has volunteered his time in the community. Today, he works his job, and serves as a Pastor on Sunday mornings. Teaching the community that he has grown to love about his faith and the ways of Jesus.
If you have the opportunity to get to meet Deb, you will fall in love with her joy for life and care for people. Life is not easy for Deb, but man does Deb loves kids. She is always volunteering to care for kids. And she is always looking for ways to support and encourage the parents of these kids. She volunteers her time at our local church and is pretty much involved in everything there. She gives teenagers rides home from youth group. She offers meals to those who are sick and in need. She often volunteers to cook food at events. Last spring, in the midst of the Pandemic, she asked my preteen son to volunteer with her, for several weeks, because my wife was overwhelmed having to teach four kids at home. She works at a local college and has an open-door policy with students, where they come to her, when they simply need a friend and encouragement. Miss Deb is constantly caring for others and let me tell you, people are so thankful for the way she lives her life. Miss Deb simply believes she is doing what God has called her to do.
Tim the electrician. Honestly, I don’t know if I have ever met a man that is so full of life and encouragement. Tim always seems to have a positive outlook on life. He is always asking how others are doing and then he actually listens. Tim’s father modeled a “friend to all” mentality and I believe that Tim lives this out. He is constantly looking to invest into the lives of others. Through a series of events, Tim and his brother Geoff were inspired to start a group called “Minute Men United.” They want to see people become “dedicated to giving our full selves to relationship and ready to meet people where they are – celebrating their journey and calling them to more.” They simply want people to know that you are not alone and there is always someone to call when you need a friend. Their desire was to have gatherings where they would inspire one another to be willing to be real and reach out to others. The pandemic has changed some of their plans, but know they host a weekly VLOG where they interview people who are helping others to know they are not alone. Daily Tim continues to meet and call people as he models this “friend to all” mentality. Ultimately, Tim sees that God is at work in the lives of others and he wants to celebrate what God is doing while inspiring those who are down and out to have hope.
SMG (“See More Good”) is an organization that was started by a group of college-aged guys from York City. They grew up loving basketball and realized that it is tough growing up in today’s society. They have seen many people make their fair share of mistakes in life and they developed a desire to help others “escape violence, negativity, financial illiteracy, and division.” They want bring their community “light, happiness, and fun while allowing everyone who comes in contact with their organization “to see the good in life.” These young guys are investing into others. On Christmas morning they delivered t-shirts to kids that they have been spending time with. They are sacrificing their time to help kids play basketball, but actually they are bringing hope and encouragement to their community.
Do you see it? The way to share faith and life with others is by being willing to sacrifice for the sake of others. The way to break down a distant society is through reaching out to others. So, what do we do with these stories? What do we do with the Scripture and the example of Paul? In the next two posts I am going to try and give some practical thoughts.
