"I want to have an ache for the lost souls.
Not just an ache for tragic circumstances."
Wow.
This is one area that I am realizing is inconsistent, if not incomplete, in my own life. I ache for the tragic circumstances around the world, and do what I can to raise awareness and to help those in need, but do I boldly (or even meekly) tell people about Jesus? Not really, no. I seem to care more that people are living in uncomfortable (and even very, very harsh) circumstances than care that, if they don't know Christ as their Savior, they will be separated from God for eternity. My perceptive, even a noble one that aches for the poor, is still skewed towards the things of this world.
This is one area that I am realizing is inconsistent, if not incomplete, in my own life. I ache for the tragic circumstances around the world, and do what I can to raise awareness and to help those in need, but do I boldly (or even meekly) tell people about Jesus? Not really, no. I seem to care more that people are living in uncomfortable (and even very, very harsh) circumstances than care that, if they don't know Christ as their Savior, they will be separated from God for eternity. My perceptive, even a noble one that aches for the poor, is still skewed towards the things of this world.
Now, it is obvious throughout scripture that God has a heart for the poor and that those who love God are to care for the poor, the needy and the forgotten.
"But whoever has the world's goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?" - 1 John 3:17
Out of obedience to God and out of love for those He has created, we as Christians are to care for the least of these. But with our concern for a person's physical needs, must also come an even deeper concern for a person's spiritual needs. This is something I think I miss a lot of the time. Yes, I exclusively support ministries that address both the physical and spiritual needs of those they serve, but I am ashamed to say that the physical needs are what pull at my heart the most.
It is here that I must check my motives.
Something to think about.
I've been thinking about that exact sentence of Sandee's all day today. She totally nailed me.
ReplyDeleteSo..thinking....we give this to God...like the man who said I believe help my unbelief...I cry Abba, I ache...help my ache match your ache.
ReplyDeleteI as thinking the other day, as a child of mine woke up all grouchy, how when I wake up grouchy it is Jesus I run too. But what if they don't have an intimate relationship with Jesus...where to run? Just that little thought inched me closer to feeling the ache for a lost soul. Loving this journey ladies.
That is so true, while reading Radical it has brought so many feelings to the surface. I am really wrestling.
ReplyDelete