Getting onto the streets

I am grateful for the challenge that comes to us from these words of Dallas Willard. In his work, The Spirit of the Disciplines, he says:

"Holiness and devotion must now come forth from the closet and the chapel to possess the street and the factory, the schoolroom and the boardroom, the scientific laboratory and the governmental office.

Instead of a select few making religion their life, with the power and inspiration realised through the spiritual disciplines, all of us can make our daily lives and vocations be 'the house of God and the gate of heaven,' 

I can - and must - happen."

I have had many conversations with Christ-followers wrestling with a sense of calling. Their initial thoughts are always drawn towards fulltime ministry, because this is what we have led people to believe "serving God" looks like. However, God needs his home to be set up in all places and all over the world. 

So, if you are feeling prompted to serve God in some way, my first comment would be: Love God and Love People, where you ARE at the moment. I bet that there are people in your community who need to experience the love of Christ today. 

Matthew 28:18-20 - "Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: “God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.” (The Message)

Living in grace

D3LM3

 

The Elixir

George Herbert wrote a remarkable poem in the early 1600's called the Elixir. The English is very old, but I still offer it to you as something to enjoy. His heart speaks of doing all things for the glory of God.

Teach me, my God and King,
In all things Thee to see,
And what I do in anything
To do it as for Thee.

Not rudely, as a beast,
To run into an action;
But still to make Thee prepossest,
And give it his perfection.

A man that looks on glass,
On it may stay his eye;
Or if he pleaseth, through it pass,
And then the heav'n espy.

All may of Thee partake:
Nothing can be so mean,
Which with his tincture—"for Thy sake"—
Will not grow bright and clean.

A servant with this clause
Makes drudgery divine:
Who sweeps a room as for Thy laws,
Makes that and th' action fine.

This is the famous stone
That turneth all to gold;
For that which God doth touch and own
Cannot for less be told.


Living in Grace

D3LM3