A few days back, I wrote about our vacation (a trip back home for me) and mentioned that there were three things that I learned. Here’s the second:
- My parents live at the top of the hill. For whatever reason, it’s always seemed to be a magnet for stray dogs and sometimes even cats. Sure enough it happened while we were there. Twice! Now the first time it was a beautiful little black/tan dachshund. The cutest little thing that you ever did see. My parents had a min-pin for several years and had been resisting the urge to get another dog for some time. To keep this short, let’s just say that by the end of the day, they had a new dog and were thrilled.
- Now here’s the rub: The next day another stray showed up. This dog was ugly, bony and growled when you got near. Nasty thing and I led the charge in trying to shoo it off. But it wouldn’t leave and neither of my parents were in any condition to do anything about it. Worse, my wife, daughter, and son all expected me to do something to help out this mangy cur.
- Do you see the rub? Pretty dog shows up…. HEY, WE HAVE A HOME FOR YOU RIGHT HERE! Ugly dog shows up…. GET LOST YOU MANGY CUR!
- While I didn’t see it that way immediately, my family did and boy, did they work me over. So one morning, I coaxed the dog into the back of my dad’s truck, and then gave it some food and water. Meanwhile, Robin did her best to find a shelter where we could take the animal. (a story for a different time)
This experience left quite a mark on me and as a pastor, it’s made me ask this question: Who are we really trying to reach? Who are we trying to contact? Whose life is worth changing? If we’re honest with ourselves, we probably won’t like the answer to that question. Are we willing to do what it takes to reach the people that nobody wants to reach? You know who they are.
Statistics say that you reach the people that you are most like. You can reach up a little. You can reach down a little. You can reach across a little.
I say those statistics exist because that’s where we’re comfortable reaching. We’d be a lot more successful reaching others if we saw them not with our eyes but through the eyes of God.
Heavy topic I know but I can’t get away from it.
Marti
August 30, 2010 at 3:16 pm
I like this. I know I tend to stay in my comfort zone, but a certain Pastor dragged me kicking and screaming to an area WAY outside it and it was just an uplifting experience. But one thing…there was a cat around here (not HERE, but in the capital district) who was severely burned and horribly disfigured. There was a line around the block to take her in and adopt her. Fortunately, there ARE those out there who thrive in that “un-comfort” zone. Good for your family!
Stefi Croff
August 31, 2010 at 8:16 am
Just as most churches, come in if you are dressed to the nines, nice car, hair well kempt, but the poor, the homeless, the destitute are not so greatly receieved. We must love those far from church, we must love the homeless, the drug addicts, the alchoholics, the abused the gender confused, lets not turn them out for the way they look. Jesus wants us to invite them in first, for us to love them as we love ourselves. Help them to know there is a Heavenly Father that is there for them and loves them unconditionally. Let’s not turn our backs on “THOSE PEOPLE”. Love the sinner hate the sin. Will you open your heart today, will you reach out and touch someone who is out of your comfort zone? Will you be the disciple Jesus wants you to be? God has given us a clear path as to how we should live our earthly lives. It is one of unselfishness in which we put the needs of others on the same level with our own needs. If we truly love the Lord, we have a genuine concern for the plight of our neighbors. Who are our neighbors? Look around, invite someone to church that is far from GOD share the GOOD NEWS of his love and acceptance for all. DOG IS GOD SPELLED BACKWARD, love the mangy dog as much as the beautiful stray,,,
nathan
September 3, 2010 at 12:58 pm
Well said, Stefi.