"...tell John what you hear and see..."
(Matt 11:4b)
This was Jesus' response when John's disciples came to Jesus on behalf of John to ask if He indeed is the Messiah--the Saviour of the world.
If our world is looking...listening...waiting for someone or something to rescue them from the chaos that surrounds them will they be able to see and hear Jesus through US?
I often hear Christians complain about how difficult it is for the church to be relevant to our culture. I don't buy it! The gospel of Jesus is the most relevant possible thing that could be presented to people today!
Perhaps our problem...and why we lack relevancy is because Jesus is no longer visible or noticeable in the everyday lives of many who call themselves Christians. Maybe our world doesn't need to be convinced that the church is relevant by us becoming more like them, or by apologetic arguments--maybe our world simply needs to see and hear something that is unlike anything else they experience in a world full of brokenness, injustice and pursuits that leave us empty.
But the question each Christian and each local church needs to ask themselves is: What do people see and hear when they look at me/us?
It doesn't need to be complicated--every moment of our lives we make choices either to live and react to things the way the world expects--or to live by the Spirit and display Jesus in the simplest of ways.
To react with love and forgiveness when hurt by others.
To be patient and kind even when another doesn't "deserve it"
To show compassion, rather than seeking ones own good.
To hold loosely money, possessions and even your own life--for the sake of serving Jesus.
To speak Truth with love--even when others may think you a fool...
The list could go on...What simple changes in your life could you make to display Jesus better?
If you are NOT a follower of Jesus--I would be interested (so we can learn) what you have often seen and heard from people who call themselves Christians? Has it been positive or negative?
