Here's Stephan Pastis' "Pearls Before Swine" comic strip from last Sunday. Click the image to be taken to a larger view at the strip's Web page.
That's something I tried to get across to my congregations as a pastor. Am I praying for God to do something? Guess whose hands and feet and eyes and ears and mouth he has to do it with? That's right . . . mine.
When I hear people saying that "something should be done about" or "the government should fix" this, or that, or the other problem, I find all too often that they mean someone else should do it. Challenge them to be part of the solution, and they'll recoil in indignation.
It's the old saying writ large about "putting your money where your mouth is". Too few of us are prepared to do that. It's a permanent challenge to me, too, and a salutary reminder that I have to practice what I preach, and not just say it. Actions speak a heck of a lot louder than words - and I don't mean activism, demonstrations, rioting and extremism, either. Any fool can tear down. It takes a worthwhile human being to build up . . . and that starts with us.
Peter
3 comments:
You're preachin' to the tools-in-hands choir, brother. Now where's thar leaky toilet?
you said something that triggered Facebook in this post, was not allowed to share, it just timed out talking about a survey, on PC and phone. yet the cartoon posted. maybe Gocomics is pitching a hissy about the small image
God invites us to join his plan. The problem is that churches fail to teach how to be a disciple who has learned to hear God. "My sheep know My voice".
One of the most important reminders God says to me is this:
"Don't be impressed I speak to you. I speak to all. Only a few listen."
Another:
"You say the words. Do you mean them?"
So it isn't just about doing "good things", but realizing that God has a purpose for me/us, and invites me/us to join Him.
One of the most vital questions:
"Do you know who I AM?" The paradox of awe and intimacy.
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