Day 72 - Real and Active

Today's thought from last year comes from two words in my journal entry for that day; real and active.

I was talking about our church when I used these words. I had given a tour to a lady that visited who was a pastor's kid. She knew church backward and forward. When she saw the campus she remarked about the beauty of our courtyard and the functionality of the layout etc. Then we came to our Food Distribution center. She was amazed. Her remark afterward was "Wow! You guys had an event!" It's true. Every Tuesday and Thursday morning when we give food to those in need it is an event with hundreds of (if not thousands of) people.

We are a real church that is active with the gospel. You can see what we believe by what we do. It should be no different in a person's life. What we believe should not only form our thoughts and words but it should move us into actions. If we believe in the democratic system we should vote. If we believe in the value of education we should be life long learners, teachers and mentors. If we believe in stewardship then our bank statements will prove our values.

I think there are a few problems that we face when it comes to being real and active. First of those problems is that we can be divided and not really anything when it comes to what we believe. We have been so polarized and in the name of political correctness we have backed off our convictions. I think people want Christians to be real. Even if they don't like what you're saying they will respect that you stand for what you believe. Hypocrisy is distasteful to everyone!

The second problem is that of doing. I think fear grips us. Either that or we are downright lazy. Lazy is easy to overcome. Kick yourself in the rear end and get going. You will find grace to do on the way of obedience. Fear is quite another thing. All the 'what if's' start playing with our imagination. It takes a confrontation with the enemy in spiritual warfare prayer and then the stepping out in faith to overcome fear. Often I find that when I am afraid of doing something new that once I have started doing it I am fine.

Let it be said of us that we are real and active, genuine people working from the heart!

How would you define someone who is real? What ways have you been active with what you believe?