I have to share this story of a someone really being a disciple in my small group. Last weekend my small group and I met up at noon and went to do some work for a widow named Ruby that lives next door to me. We helped her out in the yard, cutting some limbs, planting some flowers, remulching, fixing her AC unit, etc. We had a good time knowing we were helping out a widow and loving my (literal) neighbor.
There is one guy in my small group, however, who really stuck out to me during this whole day. He got there at 11:30am before anyone else and started working on Ruby's home. He is extremely handy and had tools and supplies with him so did a few small projects outside. He then went inside (without telling anyone) and fixed Ruby's sink, put in a new drain (with new parts - cost out of his own pocket), unclogged a few pipes, and anything else she needed. He didn't tell anyone he was doing this... in fact, after a few hours he quietly left her house and told me he had to go. The only way I found out about it was because I heard it from Ruby afterwards. He didn't charge her a dime and didn't even tell the group what he was doing. In fact, he will probably be upset I am blogging about this since it points back to him!
He is a perfect model for what is means to BE a disciple according to Matthew 6:2-4. He also is rocking out the call in James 1:27 to take care of orphans and widows. Seeking and acting out Kingdom justice doesn't have to be thousands of miles away. The opportunity could literally be waiting for you right next door.
-P. Matt
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Great illustration, I like the idea of secret disciples. Being a guy (and a bit of a geek), I imagine a bunch of "ninja" disciples running around lifting up the Kingdom. Sinks will fix without warning, the hungry find food waiting on the table, Bibles appear when least expected but most needed...
ReplyDeleteI love this illustration. It brings to mind that we are called to be disciples ALL THE TIME. That means every moment of every day -when people are watching and when people are not watching. God is always watching. However, obviously, in order to disciple another we do have to have some of our actions in the light. But with God all of our actions are seen.
ReplyDeleteI like the reminder that there are opportunities for us to love and help people, right here, next door, downtown, etc., We can be the hands and feet of Jesus and show His love to people right where we are. We just need to choose to do it.
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