Three Steps to Living Securely

…in a world of uncertainty.

uncertainty1Crisis. Seems like everyday we are faced with a new crisis or uncertainty. Tossing and turning, sleep eludes me, as I get caught up stewing about events I can’t control. So what is the answer? Do I shut off the news reports?  I know I want to “bury my head in the sand” and keep to the adage “no news is good news”.

But should  we allow the events in the world to take away our peace, hope and joy of living? How can we get past the fear and the uncertainty that comes with them? I don’t claim to have the answers, but I would like to share what I have learned from the wisest of men.

  1. Listen to the right voice

People call to us from every side. “Listen to me, I know best.” My Facebook feed is filled with the latest news and varying opinions about it. They can’t all be right. Yet, their reasoning sounds so convincing. How can I know who to listen to?

We need to listen to the voice of godly wisdom. Wisdom that speaks peaceably, with gentleness, reasonableness, mercy, that is unwavering yet without hypocrisy. James 3:17

He who listens to me shall live securely

And be at ease from the dread of evil. Proverbs 1:33

  1. Know what to keep

Y2K… stock up on everything you need because life as you know will end!

We were told that all things computerized would malfunction on January 1, 2000 at 12:01 a.m.! I wasn’t convinced of this, but we did keep large jugs filled with water, a stocked pantry and a gas power generator. Because of the uncertainty of this world, what are you keeping just in case…cash under your mattress, cans of spam in your basement, or guns in your nightstand drawer?

… do not lose sight of these—

keep sound wisdom and discretion,

and they will be life for your soul

and adornment for your neck.

Then you will walk on your way securely,

and your foot will not stumble.

If you lie down, you will not be afraid;

when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.

Do not be afraid of sudden terror

or of the ruin of the wicked, when it comes,

for the Lord will be your confidence…

Proverbs 3:21-26

  1. Chose the right path

Uncertainty and fear can lead us to take short-cuts, an “easy way out” of a situation. Doing what is right, not in our sight, but in God’s is the only way to find peace and security when less than honest ways look so appealing.

Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, 

but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out. Proverbs 10:9

 So what…What are you willing to do to live securely? Are you willing to seek out God’s wisdom and no longer trust in the world’s faulty wisdom? Are you willing to loosen your grip on things that are only of this world and keep a hold of what has eternal value? Are you willing to live a life of righteousness, even if you feel like you are on that path alone, others are against you?

 The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil. Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

Infiltrating your Community with the Gospel

“We need to reach out into our community.” 9616068841b1d3fc9b0ae450d8731906

Ok…lets get a big group together and do a service project. After all, we could volunteer for a couple of hours then go home…get back to our regular routines.

There is no doubt a service project can do good for your community and the people you serve. Yet, when Jesus said “go and make disciples”, He wasn’t talking about an occasional group project, but a personal lifestyle of sharing the gospel and helping people to grow in their faith. Think about “the Samaritan woman who ran back to the city and told people about Jesus (John 4) or when Jesus sent the twelve out in pairs to proclaim the kingdom of God (Mark 6).

Reaching my community means going out on my own and sharing the gospel…scary thought!

Jeff Iorg, in his book, Unscripted, explains it this way,

“evangelism is about connecting people to Jesus and connecting Jesus with your community—spontaneously, joyfully and honestly.”

How do I connect people to Jesus? Do I need to memorize a “gospel presentation” and knock on doors or stand on the street corner and talk to anyone who will listen…not sure I want to do that! 

You might find memorizing a gospel presentation helpful, although this is not about making “cold-calls” to strangers. Instead, there is a way to connect people to Jesus, while doing something you really enjoy. Iorg suggests we “share the gospel in the most natural setting possible—among people who share your interests, passions, or activities.”

Five Step Infiltration Strategy

Iorg recommends implementing a strategy of getting involved in the community that leads to opportunities to the share the gospel.

1. What hobby or volunteer activity you enjoy doing or would like to do if you had the time? Is it…reading, quilting, painting, running, or helping children, youth, seniors, or something entirely different?

2. Do it…join a community group, like a book club, quilt guild, running group or volunteer in a community program at a school, hospital, senior care home or shelter.

3. Lets say you are out there in the community. Look around and start to notice who is there. As you notice the people, pray specifically for God to work in their lives. Also, pray that God would provide opportunities for you to share the gospel.

4. Next, begin to engage one person or a few people in conversations that move beyond what is needed for the activity. Ask personal questions about their family, pets, or job. Or ask goal questions like…what do you dream of doing or where would you like to visit. Then listen and respond with genuine interest and concern. Be alert for opportunities to share the gospel and tell how your faith has impacted your life. Iorg goes on to point out that, “Witnessing is an unscripted dialogue, sometimes an ongoing dialogue with bits and parts of the gospel shared over time.”

5. Finally, continue to be involved and work on building relationships. Keep praying and ask if you can pray with them. Be available to help out with a need they have; invite them over for a meal. Live out your faith before them, as authentically as possible. It could just be that your friendship is what God uses to bring them to accept the gospel of Jesus Christ and help them grow in their faith.