As I mentioned in a recent post, it was announced in a Parent/Student Meeting a few weeks ago that all students and parents are challenged to serve this year. The parents as a group and the students as a group are each challenged to serve for 2009 hours.
I know that some parents and students are already working to build up their hours. I have been excited to hear how some of our families are already looking for new and exciting ways to serve.
Our theme for this year is built around this challenge to serve. God calls us to be salt and light to the world. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.†(Matthew 5:14-16)
Our faith is not just something we think. It shapes the way we live. We need to let our actions reflect our words.
Isaiah 60:1 says, “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.â€
This year, the families in our ministry will strive to live their lives in such a way that they shine for God while serving others. Let the glory of the Lord rise upon us.
shine!
Jason
2 comments:
"Our faith is not just something we think. It shapes the way we live."
Agreed. If I may add to that, the way we live shapes our faith.
I see in the Bible and in these times that only when we serve God humbly will we be able to understand God and His will more fully. Obeying the Mosaic Law brought life, not death. Obeying the law of love helps us understand in ways that are very hard to explain how perfect and cleansing God's love and will for all of us is. Serve the homeless for a weekend or go on a week-long mission trip and see if you read the Bible differently...
Kevin, you are right. Our belief and our actions work together. I believe they work in concert to help us grow. Sometimes what we believe drives what we do. Other times, we rely on our actions to build our faith.
And...you are right on point about serving and mission. My experience has been that one of the biggest catalysts for spiritual growth is a cross-cultural mission where we serve others.
I have witnessed that truth lived out here at Rochester. Whether it's visiting Cass Park on a Sunday afternoon, traveling to Brazil or Uganda, or working with inner-city children in Cincinnati, I have watched many people's faith grow as a result of putting their faith in action.
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