A Marvelous Prospect

Are we a voice crying in the wilderness – just another point of view in a tolerant world? If we truly have a “Story to Tell to the Nations,” how do we get them to listen to us?

I believe that there is only one way in our society that has sunk into a pit of multi-culturalism, where everyone is entitled to their view, and where beliefs make truth.

We know that Truth is a person – Jesus. We know that we were created for a purpose by a loving, all-powerful God. But those around us are bombarded by the messages of a culture that has lost its way. So, how do we get heard?

We get heard because we are different. We get heard because we truly love those around us – at work, our clients, in the marketplace. If our attitudes and behaviors are not radically different from all those around us, then no one is going to pay any attention to what we have to say. We are just another person “with your own truth that works for you.”

David preached on grace yesterday – unmerited favor given to us by a loving God – just because he wanted to. God gives us love and forgiveness expecting nothing in return, motivated solely by his bounty and benevolence. If we want others to know of this grace then guess what? We have to behave in the same way to those around us who are lost and dying in ignorance. We have to extend grace – motivated solely by our own bounty and benevolence (acquired from God!), expecting nothing in return. Only then will we earn the privilege of sharing about God to those around us.

David is absolutely right when he says that we neither can nor must do anything to earn God’s love. We have it! So let’s live like it! Jesus said, “You will be my witnesses, making disciples…” He also said, “If you love me, then you will keep my commandments, …” of which there are only two: love God and love our neighbor. So, if we love our neighbors (co-workers, friends, acquaintances), then let’s act like it! We know something worth sharing. We have to make those around us hungry to have it too.

In my personal experience, the two men whom I would most like to be like are both peculiar. One was the most unselfish person I have ever known. Fred Madenwald lived to speak life into the Explorer Scouts that were a part of Post 12 in Beaumont. I watched him for the three years I was an associate advisor with him, and I simply cannot tell you the love that exuded from him as he ministered to the kids while we backpacked and canoed and camped all over the USA. And at the same time he would not compromise on matters of faith or behavior. It was his love and unselfishness that allowed him to be firm, and even demanding, in certain critical areas. He was truly “Jesus with skin on.” The other, Joe Hogue, has spent a lot of time ministering to prisoners. Joe always has time for God and for you. Again, his unselfishness and love allow him to be firm and to speak the Truth, sometimes hard truth, to those around him.

I believe that this is why Chuck Colson can have Breakpoint and doggedly attack the insanity of our culture today – because he has spent the last 30 years devoting his life to the “least of these” – prisoners and their families and their victims. If we choose to devote ourselves to caring for those around us, then we can become so much more than a voice crying in the wilderness; we can become a voice of hope, a voice of salvation to those around us.

1. Steve Cook says:

   April 1, 2009 at 10:22 PM

   Well said, my fiend.
2. Centurions Blog & Discussion » Blog Archive » Witness - NOT says:

   April 15, 2009 at 7:41 AM

   [...] heard amongst the cacaphony of voices that make up our “multi-cultural” society. (See A Voice Crying in the Wilderness.) Well, I had the opportunity to witness recently – and failed [...]