Yesterday’s quote is a reminder that others pay more attention to our actions than our words.
I suspect we’ve all known people who had incredible Bible understanding and could speak deeply on any topic in Scripture – but you sort of wondered if they really understood who Jesus was.
Paul said it more eloquently, “If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.”
Recently a friend described some missionaries working in a difficult, dangerous part of the world. These folks didn’t go to Bible college – they probably had minimal formal education. But they loved Jesus and their communities and were willing to give all they had in service. And they knew how to build stuff.
They built a school and a community center. With outside expertise, they helped create a program that provides resources for expectant mothers in a region where pregnancy and childbirth are enormous health issues. They attracted enough attention that there is now a “first two years” program at the center, organized around the notion that getting mothers and kids off to a good start is essential.
I could go on, but the detail of their work isn’t the point. When someone observes this group of folks doing what they can, with what they have – and trusting Jesus for the outcome – I suspect they see and hear a powerful sermon. Hanging out with them for a few days might be more illuminating than any graduate-level theology degree.
Of course, I always think of the amazing women who operate our Home of Hope. Supporting traumatized children is difficult, often soul-crushing work. They aren’t doing it to get rich and famous.
They’re preaching a sermon, every single day, with their service and sacrifice.