Peter says this to the early church:
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. (I Peter 2:12)
I’m as struck by what Peter doesn’t say as by what he does say.
Peter doesn’t say that a disbelieving world will “hear our good words” and glorify God.
He doesn’t say that a skeptical population will “read our good advertising” and so glorify God.
He doesn’t say that irreligious people will “hear our good music” and so glorify God.
None of that.
Skeptics become seekers and pagans become pilgrims by seeing the good deeds the church does in the name of the church’s Lord.
It’s the subtle yet enduring witness of a life lived with integrity and sacrifice.
It’s why some of the best preaching this church does is when we fan out into the greater Charlotte community through First Serve.
It’s why our students’ best evangelism comes through Spring Breakthrough.
It’s why, as one pastor says, we should never underestimate the power involved when the church becomes living proof of a loving God to a watching world.
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Great blog! In your last sentence you talk about the power of the church, that made me think..the church is not a building but the people.
Your point hit me yesterday at lunch! A friend of 30 years joined me for lunch. We were talking about ministers and ministry’s (before we saw you). Even though we have been friends that long, I only learned yesterday that he has been on the board of Harvesters Intl for the past five years. Helping send planes to mission ministers in remote parts of the world. I also learned that he will be working with a group to build homes for the Wounded Warrier project next summer! I was shocked into wanting to take action.
Long story, short answer. By learning of these things, it energized me and my interest in getting “back” involved and out of my thinking, “I have enough on my plate”!
Thanks for your post and having me revisit a very meaningful time spent with a friend!