Do Likewise

I am currently in San Diego, CA for the Zondervan National Pastors Convention. Last night I had the amazing privilege of listening to one of my favorite authors, Shane Claiborne (Pictured right). Shane’s book “Irresistible Revolution” is a must read. All I can say is WOW! I love this guy!

The main of Shane’s talk last night was not something he hasn’t said at least a dozen times before… “Love your neighbor as yourself. This means you don’t let your neighbor starve while you have more than you need, etc.” But I continue to be amazed by how it flows from such a genuine heart. He lives this out, we should too.

Right now, our country is in a state of panic economically. Many outside of faith in Jesus are scared to death because their sole provider (money/economy) is in the tank. It is my opinion that times like these are when the church has the greatest potential to shine. “How,” you might ask? I’m glad you asked! One simple word… GENEROSITY.

Imagine what doors would open up to the hearts of our neighbors, coworkers, friends, etc. if we were to show unbridled generosity to those who truly need it? What kind of impact would it have on our lives and the lives of those in our communities if we TRULY began to love them like we love ourselves? We don’t let ourselves go hungry. We don’t let ourselves go naked. We don’t let ourselves sleep on sidewalks (when we have the power to do so). So what stops us?

SELFISHNESS – The arch enemy to generosity and the thing that strangles my heart the most. It is selfishness that stops you and I from being the generous people we’re called to be.

See, I want to be the one who stands before Jesus and hears, “When I was naked you clothed me, when I was hungry you fed me.” I want to hear that. I want to be a part of that. Now, I think it’s important to note (as Shane did) that Jesus is saying that YOU did it. Not that you wrote a check to someone and they did it. YOU clothed me, YOU fed me, YOU visited me.

That’s my challenge to YOU (and more so to ME)… Let’s live generously and turn this world upside down for the wonderful Savior who has gave up everything and became poor so we could be rich! Shouldn’t we now do the same? I think so… Remember Jesus’ final words at the end of the parable of the Good Samartin (Luke 10)… “You go, and do likewise.” PEACE!