A while ago I heard a song which suggested that perhaps the best thing we could do as Christians was to get out of God's way and let God do the reaching others thing. Well I guess we have all come across the heavy handed if well meaning "evangelist" sailing in with all guns blazing and large bible to hand just in case, so I understand the sentiment. However I don't think scripture gives us that option.
Col
1:10
so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in
every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge
of God.
2Ti
4:2
Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct,
rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction.
Jesus tells us in the parable of the lamp on a stand, that what is in each Christian is not for hiding but should be seen by all - why would you turn a light on than cover the bulb up so that all is dark again? But even a little light can turn darkness to light.
Christians are called to live lives that shine out to others, not because we are perfect but because we are trying to be better, trying to allow the things of our faith to grow and blossom in our lives and so be something beautiful to others.
Have you noticed recently the blossom on the trees for those few fleeting days? It draws attention, its beautiful and picturesque. It draws attention not because it shouts out or gets in the way but because in achieving its purpose, to attract insects to allow pollination, it attracts us. So each Christian and each Christian church should attract not because it shouts the loudest, or because its music or drama is the best, but because by being what Jesus asks us to be - the beauty of that life will draw attention and so attract others.
Thats what we are seeing at our church, people coming, staying and becoming part of our community not because we are the best church, the most modern or the most culturally clued in. No I think its because we are simply trying to be all that Christ has asked of us, selfless, loving, kind, generous .... Like the blossom on the trees we attract because being a Christian is like a light on a stand, it does not go unnoticed and God will draw people to those who do their best to live for him.
