Life Here and There

Early mid-morning yesterday, reports began trickling in from various sources that Walmart was laying off people from the home office (located here in Bentonville, Arkansas). By day’s end, I think the number was around 850, maybe more. Walmart, McDonald’s, and Dunkin’ Donuts were three of the only companies that I had read about in the last month or two that seemed to be doing well in the midst of the recession.

Something about the news reports, emails, and phone calls brought a sense of locality to the recession – it has hit the somewhat shielded northwest Arkansas economy now. Like an approaching thunderstorm, it’s here on top of us now. So the clouds have gathered. The thunder rumbles. Jobless people lie awake at night wondering where they will go next.

Poverty isn’t a new challenge to the church. In the New Testament, an interesting story unfolds about the church in Jerusalem’s suffering. People didn’t know where their next meal would come from. The churches across Macedonia (ancient Greece) were suffering from th economic downturn as well, but they responded in an amazing way… they gave. Without ever knowing or meeting their family-in-Christ across the Mediterranean, they dug deep into their pockets (and their hearts) and gave. Paul said it this way…

For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power (ability) they were willing of themselves; praying us with much entreaty (begging us) that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. ~ 2 Corithians 8:3-4 KJV (emphasis mine)

In dark times, God’s people have the opportunity to shine! How?

• By realizing and valuing the connections we have with the eternal family of God, regardless of geographic, cultural, and racial distances.
• By praying… after all, God has obligated Himself to do certain things only in response to prayer.
• By giving… even until it hurts.

I’m proud to be a part of Bethel Baptist Church in Bentonville. I’ve watched us give away about 1,000 pair of shoes in the last year. We’ve helped families within our church family, and without. Our people have made themselves available to neighbors and friends in whatever way is most helpful. And we’re in the planning stages of a major food supply initiative in our community.

We chose the slogan “the church on the hill” for two reasons. One, we’re on a hill and that’s how people identify us… “Yeah, you guys are that church on the hill!” Yep, that’s us. But then there is the issue of our mission within our community. Jesus said “a city set on a hill cannot be hid.” He went on to challenge God’s people to “so let your light shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” That’s the real reason I’m proud to be a part of the church on the hill.

So, God’s people, shine. Pray, give, love, go, and tell the life-changing story of Jesus. Interrupt the darkness with some real sunshine!

photo credit: macfanmd

People matter. Relationships matter. Family matters. Church matters. God’s forever family and His Kingdom matter a great deal more than just about anything else. The depth of life is found in our relationships.

We live in times when we’re a click away from a whole new set of “friends,” who are essentially strangers, all over the world. While this expands our missions opportunities and opens up our exposure to new cultures, it can also create a terrible disconnect between us and those who matter the most. It’s still real life, face-to-face meetings that make more of a difference than any other.

I’ve been challenged lately to break out of my shell. I often revert back to the shyness of my youth and hide out behind all of the “responsibilities” and “opportunities” that often replace what is most important. But if I want to experience life’s greatest joys (and they only exist in relationships), then I must engage the people who are waiting to be loved in my life. If I want to be obedient to God’s great commission, I need to interact with the culture around me (meaning real people). If I want to get to my grave someday in fulfillment, I need to walk in relationship to other people.

Wanna go deep with me? Then…

• Pick up the phone today.
• Walk down the hall and encourage a fellow employee.
• Get a cup of coffee and say ‘Hi’ to someone new.
• Pray for people by name and by need.
• Find somebody that needs to be served.
• Set aside a half an hour for a game with your kid.
• Tell your spouse just three honest and loving thoughts about him/her.

Real depth in our lives comes not from knowing more, reading more, or studying more. It comes from opening up, loving, and serving more!

photo credit: Jinhan