BE LIKE JESUS
The incredible thing about Jesus was he always gave the people something to talk about – stories, miracles or standing up to authority. Jesus calls us. We follow. We feel the love, experience the fellowship, find a place to grow and belong and then we reach out to others. We don’t have to memorize the Bible or know all the answers. All we have to do is be sincere and invite others to a Corinth activity, event or worship service.
What does that look like? The other day, I had plans to go visit members but the members were under the weather and my car was getting the oil changed. I showed up too early to pick up the car so I went to Backwoodz BBQ in Sandston for lunch. Then because I lingered and it was just the front counter clerk, and myself I struck up a conversation with him. First we talked music. Then we shared names. Then I asked him about what a 22 year-old likes to do in the area. I complimented him on his smile. We talked about the things he has in common with my daughter. Other customers came in and I had a car to pick up. I look forward to my next conversation with him. That’s when I will ask, if the timing is right, if he might like to hear some Jesus stories – come and see. I went next door to TNT to pick up my car after getting my oil changed. I was a bit early and had the opportunity to meet CJ. He lives in a neighborhood where some of you live. He has a church and young children. I invited him to bring his 5 year old to Neighborhood Nights.
I’m continually out walking on sunny days and when I see someone I don’t know I try and stop for a conversation. Before I leave the home I pray and ask God to lead me in what to say to whom. Sometimes I invite someone to Bible Study that I meet on a doorstep. Sometimes we exchange names and talk about the
weather. I’m working to be like Jesus-to form relationships with people I don’t know. Then after moving at the speed of trust I can invite them to Bible Study or Worship or Neighborhood Nights.
I challenge you to move at the speed of trust. Meet a new neighbor or clerk. Offer an invitation: “Come and See.” “Check it out.” “Follow us on Facebook.” Tell me about how it’s going. Together we can be like Jesus and change the world by bringing love to life.
Pastor Teresa