August 17, 2006

A huge responsibility

Yesterday I Googled a phrase something like “why are Christians different from others” and found some interesting results. Most of them were written by Christians. They said we are different because we are forgiven, or that we repent when we sin, or that we trust the Lord instead of ourselves.

However, the results from non-Christians were more interesting. One said that Christians seem to be happier even when things aren’t going well. Some affirmed that Christians have a greater sense of right and goodness, but don’t just believe it; they live it.

The rest of the results were less favorable. Most felt that Christians work harder preaching at others than living it themselves, or that the Bible is so confusing—how could anyone believe it?

Today verses: “Although I am less than the least of all God’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Ephesians 3:8-11, NIV

Even though there are many denominations and factions, the Bible defines the church as all those who genuinely put their faith in Jesus for eternal life. God has lots of things for us to do but one purpose amazes me: we are to make God’s wisdom known!

Right away I’m thinking, “We are not doing very well.” How can we do better? Mere words don’t cut it. We have to ‘walk the talk’ in such a way that what we say is backed up.

Yet there is more to it than that. My search results included a blog discussion between a Christian and a skeptic. Even though the Christian gave answers that made sense to me, the skeptic could not grasp what he was saying.

I kept thinking, “This is a mystery.” Today’s verses affirm that. The plan of God is a mystery. True, it has been revealed in Scripture, but the Bible says (and my own experience confirms) that unless the Holy Spirit opens a person’s mind, this mystery remains hidden, complex, hard if not impossible to understand.

Yet that does not take me off the hook. My life is to be lived in such a way that God’s wise plan is made plain, not merely to spiritual beings in heavenly realms, but spiritual beings that walk on two legs on this earth.

My husband often says, “Plainly tell others about Christ, and sometimes use words.” He is right. Our job is to make God’s wisdom known— and I’m absolutely positive that it takes God’s wisdom to do it.

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