I am not a fan of the way some people show “Christianity. ”
One time I heard a story about a missionary in Japan fifty years ago who caused a great deal of difficulty for one of the churches in Japan. What he did has been a struggle to undo for several years after it happened. It spread into the whole community and caused people to stay away from the church he was working at.
This is What Happened
One day a Shinto parade was getting ready to take place near this church. They had to use a rope to block off the sides of the road. The same way we set up ropes to block off people from getting in the street for a parade in America. They stretched a rope across the front of the church. The church was being blocked off for a Shinto parade or you could say festival and this made the missionary upset. Sadly, he cut the rope to protest against the Shinto festival happening in front of the church. Cutting the rope sent a message to the people involved that I don’t want you here and it began to spread into the community.
Was this the Best Way?
Sometimes the way we show “Christianity” does not point people to seeing Jesus and the love He has for the world.
Previous Blog
This brings me back to my previous blog about the Japanese student joining our missions team. How did he see the splendor of Christianity? What was so spectacular about spending time with the Japan Reach missions team? There is nothing too spectacular about any of us. Well, I better just speak for myself. There is nothing too spectacular about me. ๐ What would cause him to say “In this way.” First of all, he saw a missions team welcoming him with open arms and including him as part of our family. Secondly, a missions team sharing their faith at churches and a pastor’s wife reaching out to him with kindness. Thirdly, the team embracing people in the community with love and grace. Lastly, imperfect people loving and caring for each other.
Maybe this is a Better Way
Maybe it’s best to do ministry the most excellent way. The Bible teaches us that love is the most excellent way.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Love Never Fails
In this way people will know that we belong to Jesus.
Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples. John 13:35
If we want people to see the splendor of Christianity we need to love. Jesus showed the ultimate way to love by dying on the cross to take away our sin and bring us back into relationship with God.
Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13
Choose to show Christianity by loving God and loving others. Show the most excellent way!
Blessings,
Tina
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