too comfortable. 12/20/2009

3 Comment(s)

 

A couple weeks ago I passed a homeless guy on the way to church.  To be honest, I don't remember where he was standing or even what he looked liked, but I do remember that seeing him --and passing him-- felt like a kick in the gut.  A familiar quiet Voice whispered, "If you don't help him, who will?  If you, who claim to love God and who are on your way to worship your Lord, will not love this soul, who will?"  My gut still hurts.

I remember being in a little dirty airport in Maputo, Mozambique and I remember a little boy with a torn shirt asking me for money. He was one of so many, but for some reason he stood out.  "Please friend," he said, "hungry."  Those were probably the only three words he knew in English, but they were enough to break my heart.  I didn't give him money.  I want to think that I gave him a pack of peanuts or something, but that was a while ago and most likely I'm making that up to quiet my conscience.

The fact is, the homeless guy in Knoxville and the beggar boy in Maputo were both opportunities to let Jesus love someone through me.  And the fact is, I failed them both. 

I spent this afternoon reading the book Under the Overpass, by Mike Yankoski.  That's Mike in the picture above.  Mike and his friend Sam traveled from city to city across the US-- homeless on purpose for five months.  I won't try to tell you all their stories or all the lessons that they learned, but I will tell you that the book made me think long uncomfortable thoughts about a lot of things.  Do I really believe what I say I believe?  What would my life look like if I actually lived out the words I preach so easily?  Would I still love my Lord if life suddenly got very uncomfortable?

These are good questions, but they are worthless if I don't answer them.  It was a great book and I would beg you to read it, but if I walk away from it without changing the way I live, it was a waste of my time.  I need to see people the way Jesus sees them.  I long to look through His eyes and love with His heart. 

My life is comfortable right now.  Way too comfortable.  Jesus says, "follow Me and I will make you a fisher of men."  I'm coming, Lord.  Thanks for loving the unlovely- thanks for loving me.  Please teach me to love.

Comfortable, don’t get comfortable.
I am gonna’ move this mountain
then I’m gonna move you in.

Yesterday, this is not yesterday.
You were standing on my shoulders now;
you’re standing on the edge.
You’ve been looking for a sign all this time.

I am gonna show you what I mean
I am gonna love like you’ve never seen
You are gonna live like you used to dream
This is your new song

So afraid but you don’t have to be afraid
Even if you make mistakes
You know that I’ll remain
You’ve been looking for a sign all this time.
If you seek you’ll find me every time.

So I am gonna show you what I mean
I am gonna’ love like you’ve never seen
You are gonna live like you used to dream
This is your new song

                                               -Comfortable (Brandon Heath)

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Comments

Garrison Morris

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 06:54:31

Just started reading this last night. I can't put it down. It's an incredible story of faith in action.

 

Christine Shreve

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:49:12

Wow this is very true, how can I make a difference though?

 

Hannah

Thu, 23 Dec 2010 09:31:08

I know you have a heart for the homeless now!

 

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