I've been thinking a great deal recently about what it looks like to live the Gospel in real life circumstances. I especially want to point our college age community toward worthy examples of Gospel-life. How do we "in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation...appear as lights in the world " (Phil 2:15)? How do we live our future redemption in our lives now? What does it look like to strive toward the kingdom and will of God to be the same on earth as it is in heaven?
These are the questions that are on my mind a great deal of late. Then I thought about some people here at Grace that are lights in the world--examples of this kingdom living--for me. May their lives shine forth as an example for you as much they have for me...
- Scott Morton--I've had the opportunity to hear Scott cast vision for Grace's upcoming Capital Campaign in a number of forums, both public and private. He's the real deal. His life challenges me to personally re-evaluate if we are truly stewarding our material resources for the Kingdom. That doesn't even get into Scott's personal investment into college men, or as an elder, or the way he uses his dentistry practice for the Kingdom.
- Tim & Karen Weaver--I've been impressed watching Tim and Karen serve in many behind-the-scenes ways here at Grace. I think many would be surprised to find out how much they do for our Body Life. Beyond that, their love and commitment to their new boys Nick and Bif is amazing. They embody a picture of Romans 8:15.
- Mike and Katie Allshouse--Generous folks who recently adopted Eli from Ethiopia. They have raised my awareness of ministries such as Engineering Ministries International and Compassion International. They're living life and keeping their eyes open for opportunities to give of themselves to the Kingdom.
- Kevin and Brianna Heldt--This is a couple who regularly challenge me in a number of areas. Keven & Brianna were the first in our congregation to adopt twin boys from Ethiopia (Josef & Biniam) and to open my eyes to this possibility. Brianna blogs about issues like adoption and HIV in Africa (and lots of regular stuff too!) and they are a couple who looks seriously at how to live lives that promote justice, quality relationships and authentic spirituality.
- Kirt Collins--Kirt is the backbone of our ministry to the homeless population here at Grace. He's faithful to recruit volunteers for the overflow ministry and to oversee it's operation for two months each year. He also lives out his faith as a local principle and member of the community. Besides that, he's just a neat guy to be around!
This isn't an exhaustive list, but a group of people who are right in front of my eyes who are striving to to see and live in the world in light of the Good News of King Jesus. My guess is that none of these think they're doing anything special--normal people living out the Gospel the best they know how. If you have any examples you know and would be willing to share, I'd love to hear about them!
I mentioned the Hedlt's and their blog a couple posts back as examples of living the Gospel in the world. One issue they are informed about si the crisis of AIDS, especially in Africa. Iam very challenged by them in this area and regret my ignorance in this area. Today in the mailI received some literature on a new book being put out by Intervarsity Press on this very issue. I think for many of us in the Church this is one of our Ninevehs--an area of sin we would rather not touch. Perhaps it's time to see the Gospel is bigger than the AIDS crisis...
