It was 9-11 that brought the title "first responders" into our daily lexicon. Men and women, who when faced with a situation, responded first. And we learned how they face danger, and how in some cases it may even cost them their lives. And we learned with sadness mixed with gladness of how we love and respect them for it.
Although it is said that actions speak louder than words, it is reactions that speak the loudest. And just like a first responders reaction is based on actions learned, then taken to heart, our reactions are based on our heart, too, and what we have in it. And our reactions will tell the world more about Jesus than many of our actions.
I have never met a Christian who has not been called a hypocrite at least once. And sadly, the accusation is right. Maybe not in that particular situation, but somewhere along the line, we reacted not with the heart of Jesus, but out of our own selfishness. And to those who accuse me, I wish to apologize. Forgive me. And I pray you never fall victim to your own accusations in your life. Now that certainly would be hypocrisy, wouldn't it? But as Christians, God calls us to a higher standard. We are to love as Jesus loves us-without reservation or qualification. That may explain while many of our reactions take so long. But even worse is when we react in love, but harbor bitterness or hatred in our hearts. To our audience we may have reacted correctly and been spared the title of hypocrite, but God sees our heart, and we are just as guilty. Add lying into it, for we add that in when we mislead our audience about our altruistic actions, and we fall short of God's love. Fortunately He is gracious to show mercy and forgive. May we do the same?
I have been in two Saturday night services where a medical situation arose. Both being recorded for TV or radio. Both speakers, at the time, engrossed on what they were saying. In the first instance, first responders, aka paramedics came in and attended to the man during the service. Not one word, not one indication of any problem was mentioned from the pulpit. No call to prayer, no what can we do, in short-NO love shown. How would you have felt if the man was your dad, your son? What if it was you? Sadly this pulpit filler showed no love, and I felt sick-for both men. I almost stood up and rebuked him, but instead prayed for the sick man, only God can change a hard heart like that pastor's. But I carried bitterness about the pastor. Hypocrisy. I hope I have been forgiven, but am saddened that a man who preaches Jesus, who is love, failed when put in a situation where it needed to be shown. When confronted with an opportunity for a live demonstration of God's love-he blew it! Now that's hypocrisy.
The second event happened while a lady walked up the aisle and collapsed. Two people rushed to her aid, and took care of her. They appeared to be medically trained. At first the speaker didn't see it, but when he did, after a few seconds had passed, had us all stop and pray. The proper first aid, as God had sent two people to attend to her physically. Maybe, like in the first scenario, the rest of us were on trial, to show how we would react. Hopefully we reacted in love, putting this woman ahead of any taping schedule, and making her situation paramount to any other preplanned sermon. A live demonstration, of where our hearts were, in both situations. My question is, how would you have reacted?
Today God will place a Lazarus or two in your path for you to demonstrate God's love. How you react will tell your audience more about Jesus and who He is in your life than a lifetime of sermons. Keeping in mind, that Jesus told His disciples, whoever does this for the least of them, is doing it to me, what will be your first response? The Bible tells us that obedience is better than sacrifice. I can attest to that one. But our first reaction, which should be based on love, will show who Jesus is in our lives.
Someone is always watching. And we are all hypocrites. Please, if called one, don't feel led to give them a live demonstration. Mark Twain once said, "if you have a reputation for being a fool, don't open your mouth to prove it." Jesus tells us, "these things shall follow them that believe." Love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, long suffering, and self control. What is in your heart will proceed from your mouth. God already knows. Now, what gospel do you want to share to a lost and dying world? God leaves that up to you.
And your first response is.....Don't wait until a 911 call to show love. Let your actions speak louder than words, and your reactions be covered in love. Love is always the best action, and may keep you from having to react later. And as always, the proper answer is... Jesus!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogpsot.com