What does the world see when they look at us? Do they see a life worth living?
I watched an interesting movie last night called "Life inside out". The story was centered around a middle-aged soccer mom. When she was younger she had a passion for songwriting, but had put that aside to embrace the responsibilities of adulthood.
Her and her husband had three sons. Two sons were thriving in the busy sports-centered family. The third, the youngest, was just lost and angry. He had no sense of who he was in the family. Rules and discipline were met with reluctant obedience. Nothing seemed to reach him.
Then the mom rediscovers her passion for songwriting, performing in a small coffee house. Her son comes along, reluctantly at first. But the more she lives from her passion, the more he discovers his own by observing her. He discovers a deep hidden talent and comes alive. He connects with her and the rest of the family.
So much of what the world sees of us as Christians today is like that mom. We are tirelessly working, but there is no life inside. We try to impose our values without showing the world our passion for Christ and for life. We try to make the world come into line with the Word of God. Something the word of God clearly says they are not capable of doing (1 Cor 1:18).
Jesus, speaking to the Church in Ephesus said, "I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.
Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first." Rev 2:2-4 (NIV)
Love. Love for Christ and love for others. That is the heart of the Gospel, that is what motivated the Father to send Jesus to die for our sins. Everything we do must spring forth from that. And when we do, when we live a life from that love, then we show the world a passion for life, not tireless duty.
And the lost will be drawn to that light, drawn to our Father.
"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matt 5:14-16
