- Acts 1:7-8
Today I was criticised for the time I'm about to spend in China, working with children who can't go to school because they're deaf and the Chinese government won't let them. I've been told I'm not going to be supported because I'm going independantly, under the umbrella of an organisation that isn't specifically Christian.
So that pretty much sucked. Because reading this verse, I don't need to be with a Christian organisation to be a witness. As a Christian, I need to love Jesus and do everything in my power to share His love with those who have never had the oppourtunity to encounter Jesus. I didn't choose to be called to China, but I feel if that's where God has called me to for now, who am I to give Him conditions? When I gave everything over to God, it didn't come with "but only on the condition that...." That's not quite how it works.
As James* (and Brooke Fraser) said, faith without deeds is dead. I am saved by the grace of God, and I have total faith in Him, but that faith is indeed dead if I'm not proactive about it. If I focus myself on Him, live like Him and break with Him, "deeds" should come naturally. God doesn't give suggestions or ideas, He gives commands, and this most definately should be taken as one. As a Christian, I am called and commanded to serve not only Jesus, but His people, and in doing so, share His love.
I know that without support, I will never get to China so today has really upset me, I wanted nothing more but to up and leave then and there. But, more than anything, it's made me refocus on Him, and on the people of China, who really do need the oppourtunity to encounter Jesus.
* From James 2:14-26.
Also, the first words of James say "James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ...". I dream of the day I hear those words.
Also again, thanks to Bethany and Sam, who gave me these passages, and thoughts to go with them during my time in China 2008.
I do however want to clarify...I'm human. I'm not trying to pretend that I'm some sort of perfect Christian or witness, because there's no such thing, and that's the beauty of grace. I'm trying to point out that not being focussed on God or ulterior motives cause superficial deeds. The problem doesn't lie in the organisation. Make sense?
ReplyDeleteBeckie you are awesome. You totally have my prayers and support!
ReplyDeleteAs long as you let them choose to believe in God, it's all good.
ReplyDeleteI'm not saying that I think you'll force religion down their throats, I just know some people who do - it's unnecessary, and not the best way to get someone to believe what you believe. Don't say things that assume your religion on them. Let them choose God on their own - it works out better that way. After all, would you choose to do something that was forced on you, or something you want to do?
My word verification says "assperp"
Thanks Blake and Anon (whoever you are...Im sure I know you...) Its a good feeling knowing I do have some support :D
ReplyDeleteI think I'm slowly comming round to the fact that opinions differ, and there will be some people that don't agree with me. But that's okay. It helps me to constantly rethink and refocus, which is never a bad thing.
Blake: I don't intend to force it. I'm more referring to the highly respected woman who made the critisism. Thanks for the comment!
Love the Brooke Fraser mention oh yeah James, :) And I'm definitely a fan of your china aspirations :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Jade. Looking back, I think I broke my 'no writing anything over the internet when upset or angry' pact with myself, but writing it (and reading the beautiful comments) has calmed me down. Again, reallly appreciate your support! :D
ReplyDeleteYeah you know this anonymous user, I'm just not 'the anonymous user' :)
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