My mind this morning is like lines from one hit wonders. It never rains in California, yet as I sit here watching the liquid sunshine on this first of April, I wonder if the showers that come our way will bring the flowers that bloom in May? And is it really raining violets? And the rain reminds me of how I am an outside person-I don't like being in the house. I don't rent movies, so when it does rain, I retreat to my library-of old movies, the sci-fi type from the 50's or my reading library. And today I feel an old movie coming on. A comedy, for I could use a laugh.
One of my favorite is Murder by Death, a Neil Simon comedy from 1976. In it Lionel Twain is played by Truman Capote, a demented millionaire who wishes to catch and stump all the famous detectives in a perfect crime. With a cast including Peter Sellars, James Coco, Maggie Smith, David Niven, Peter Falk, and many others, this All Star cast is great. But one of my favorite scenes is between Nancy Walker-post McMillan and Wife, and Alec Guinness in his pre-Ben Kenobi days. She plays a deaf and dumb maid just hired for the weekend, and is to report to Alec-who plays the blind butler. All the time he is barking orders at her, she is holding up a sign saying "My name is Yetta, I am deaf and dumb." And he continues to bark orders, just figuring she is listening-and obeying. While Yetta just shrugs her shoulders giving him some strange glances. And sometimes I feel like Yetta, and sometimes the butler. You can figure you are!
I was reminded yesterday during a phone call from the sister of a deceased friend, how as Christians we engage in witnessing like this-not ever realizing what is going on. I have friends who think you must deluge your guests with scripture every time you see them, hitting them with knowledge, thinking that this is the love of Christ, but never showing the love of Jesus. Their agenda is secretly to show all they know, hoping that you will decide to be as smart as them and choose Jesus. After all, they did. And this woman yesterday kept telling me how she was showing Jesus' love by preaching at her unsaved family members every time she saw them, and couldn't figure out why the relationships were strained. And was more concerned about her brother's being baptized than rejoicing in his salvation. Let's throw in some wrong doctrine to make the killing complete. And we wonder why no one comes with us when we invite them to church!
People like this are deaf to the spirit-and blind to the true gospel of Jesus Christ. It is love-not understanding that changes lives-you could never be as smart as God, but you can enjoy His love. And when encountering people like this, they never seem to see the sign about being deaf and dumb the audience shows-for they are blind spiritually. And sometimes these wrong doctrines even come from the pulpit, where the pastor tells the congregation to invite others to church, then comes down on them when no one responds. Now it is their fault the church isn't growing. If only they had read Acts 2, where we find God adds to the church-not us!
Today try something different-start at the beginning. Try Jesus first. Just like Genesis is the first book, and without creation we aren't here, you need the firm foundation of God to share with others. Don't let your life become like Peter Sellars said when he entered an empty room, "room are filled with invisible people." Be like Jesus, and find people are drawn to you. And when God sends them your way, He will give you what you need to share and minister. It is that simple. Trust God, and seek Jesus in any situation, and watch as the blessings flow. The invisible people in your life will become visible, and your room and life will be filled with joy.
The law kills-that is why we have police, and courts. Yeah, I need more law in my life. So walk softly, don't let your footsteps sound like the Gestapo coming down the hall, but the peaceful footsteps of love, and listen for what God is saying. You may find that He is not dumb, and that you were deaf! Simply put-religion is something to believe and do, and Jesus is to know and trust. Keep the first thing first-Jesus-then all things will be added unto you.
I won't give away the end of the movie, but the butler didn't do it. Watch and see for yourself. And as for the Bible-I peeked. Jesus did it! WE WIN! So start your victories today in a relationship with Jesus Christ!
More rain, well I guess I can always watch Scavenger Hunt, did I tell you my friend Guy is in it? He plays...no, I won't tell you. Watch it yourself. For second hand is never as good as seeing it yourself. And knowing Jesus is never as good as knowing about Him!
love with compassion,
Mike
