Inasmuch. . .

Christians often confuse deliberation with mission.  We are not "a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people" so we can have meetings or sit around feeling special.  St. Peter says Christians are given this identity "in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."  We are not supposed to be defined by our meetings but by our message.

For years I have been humbled and disturbed by the following rewrite of the Parable of the Judgment of the Nations.

I was hungry and you formed a humanities club and discussed my hunger, thank you.

I was imprisoned and you crept off quietly to your chapel in the cellar and prayed for my release.

I was naked and in your mind you debated the morality of my appearance.

I was sick and you knelt and thanked God for your health.

I was homeless and you preached to me of a spiritual shelter of the love of God.

I was lonely and you left me alone to pray for me.

You seemed so holy, so close to God, but I am still very hungry and lonely and cold.

What if every congregation of Christians rewrote the parable in terms of meaningful actions they are committed to take in response to each plea.  I suspect it would change the complexion of Christianity.  Every congregation would soon be known on the community grapevine for the unique way they live out the implications of the gospel in response to the needs of their neighbors.  How will you bring God’s redemptive love to the hungry, imprisoned, naked, sick, homeless, and lonely women, men, and children at the doorstep of your church?  How might the Christians with whom you worship become living proof that the good news of Jesus is really good?