The Gospel Has Words

Have you ever heard the quote: "Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words"?

The saying is often attributed to St. Francis Assisi.  It basically argues the idea that Christians spend too much time talking about Jesus and not living like Him, which has its merits to be sure, but one of the things Jesus did during His time on Earth is proclaim the kingdom of God--out loud, with words, using his mouth, talking to people.  He did not pull His punches.  He was not politically correct; in fact, He was deeply offensive, so much so that those who disagreed with Him killed Him.

And just to be clear, St. Francis Assisi probably didn't author the quote above, and if he did, he certainly didn't mean that Christians ought to solely use their "silent testimony" and never share the Gospel out loud lest they offend someone.  How do we know? 

We know because St. Francis Assisi was a fiery preacher that condemned sin and preached the Gospel.  He said crazy things like “repent, performing worthy fruits of penance, because we shall soon die . . . Blessed are those who die in repentance for they shall be in the kingdom of heaven. Woe to those who do not die in repentance, for they shall be children of the devil whose works they do and they shall go into everlasting fire."  And then he sent his followers out as missionaries to proclaim this message, not really a silent, “look at my actions” thing to do.

And most importantly, let’s not forget that the Gospel is good news.  Unless you’re a mime, how do you share news without using words to communicate it?  And without the good news of Jesus Christ, how can anyone be saved?

So, pursue social justice: feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and champion the powerless; live out your faith: flee from sin, love your neighbor as yourself, pray for the sick, and obey the commandments; but don’t do it with your mouth shut: preach the Gospel, proclaim the kingdom of God, and give glory to God for any good that comes out of your life because He is worthy!

How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? (Romans 10:14)

How Many Times Must You Forgive Your Family?

Norman Rockwell - "Thanksgiving"
Public Domain

Once Peter asked “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” (Matthew 18:21) 

I’ve often wondered if Peter was using the word “brother” in the same we do about our brothers and sisters in Christ or not.  I mean they hadn’t really figured out the Gospel at this point, so who knows if they were calling their fellow believers “brother and sister” yet. 

Instead, what if Andrew, Peter’s brother, was standing right there . . .


Continue reading this article at Proverbs and Wisdom.

What Are Your Needs?

How’s life going for you these days?  Do you have enough food? Clothes?  Do you feel well?  Are you struggling to make ends meet?  There are necessities in life we all have worried about at one point in time or another in our life, but Jesus makes it clear that His followers ought not worry about such things:

For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. (Matthew 6:25a)

Why?  It’s because we don’t really “need” those things.  Jesus and others fasted from food for months and lived.  (Matthew 4)  God told Isaiah to go naked for 3 years as a sign. (Isaiah 20:2-6)  Paul had to live with a thorn in the flesh rather than be healed/delivered from it. (1 Corinthians 12:7)  And when Jesus needed money, He just got it out of a fish’s mouth.  (Matthew 17:27)

The point is that none of these are necessities of life.  Jesus goes on to say, “Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?” (Matthew 6:25b)

There is only one thing in this life that we can’t live without, and His name is Jesus.  When you feel like you're lacking the necessities in life, don’t ask for food, clothes, finances, or even healing; ask for more of Jesus.  Seek His face first in all things.  He is the answer to all these other issues anyway.

Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these other things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6:33-34)