Undisputed — Over The Commonwealth - Wednesday
Today’s Verse
Luke 10:33-35
A Samaritan traveling the road came on him. When he saw the man’s condition, his heart went out to him. He gave him first aid, disinfecting and bandaging his wounds. Then he lifted him onto his donkey, led him to an inn, and made him comfortable. In the morning he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, “Take good care of him. If it costs any more, put it on my bill—I’ll pay you on my way back.” (MSG)
My husband and I moved into a very specific neighborhood once we got married so we could know and love our neighbors intentionally. This community had been on my heart since college, and it was very clear the Lord had a plan for us to live there as newlyweds. Everyone around us couldn't fully understand the call on our life, and every news station said and continues to say it was and is a high-crime community. It quickly became my favorite place to spend time. We were able to strengthen our relationships with some of my favorite people. It taught me more about Jesus, grew our marriage, and strengthened our community. It also made me realize how many people miss the call on their lives, miss the intimacy of the Lord, miss the depths of serving because they are scared of the mess. Loving people is messy and is definitely not something you can just check off when you go through your weekly to-do lists. Jesus shows us the greatest example of entering the mess with people as he shows and calls us to wash feet. This was one way he showed us how to act with humility and how to serve people. If loving people never inconveniences or interrupts your life, I lovingly challenge you to get involved in serving in one of our outreach programs, care ministries, lead a small group with our students, or partner with one of our strategic partners. Even though we don’t live there anymore, we pray and reflect that no matter our location or proximity, we have enough time to stop and see people's condition as Jesus commands us to.
REFLECTION
Let’s ask ourselves, do the people we surround ourselves with look similarly, act similarly, and believe similarly to us? If so, we are probably too comfortable and relying on ourselves instead of His goodness. Pray for opportunities to join in the mess of loving people. If serving in a new way is the next step for you, I encourage you to explore a new opportunity to get involved.