January 21, 2008

 I was speaking to one of the members of the ministry team this evening and we were talking about some new converts who had come out of the jail. I brought up to her the fact of all of us not just needing instructions but instructions in different forms. In Prophecy, it has three distinct things that bring a word to fruition. The first is the revelation, (visual or spoken word), second is interpretation (what does this mean ) and third the application  (how to use it in every day life).

Sometimes the failure of the church is that it has revelation and interpretation of the word but doesn't always have the application to apply it to people's lives, to actually show the people how to do this.  How to quit doing drugs, quit drinking and just plain how to quit! Sometimes the people don't want to show their weaknesses and failures either past or present and  sometimes they put on a facade that all is ok. I brought to mind as an example the following story about a microwave cart I had bought and had to assemble.

I fought to assemble the microwave cart, I shook my head at the instruction manual. I’m sure it was written by someone whose spoke no English, then translated by an English as a second language writer. It was virtually incomprehensible to me.

I needed some pictures of the assembly process desperately. Better than that would have been someone who could show me how to do it.

Later I got  to thinking about the difference between those instructions and the need for an illustration. I realized it was applicable to our faith walk as well.

We can instruct someone about Jesus all we want. We can quote the chapter and verse; we can encourage them to read their Bible.

None of that instruction will be as effective as the illustration of seeing how we as Christians handle our lives. For them to see us living as Christ commanded, not just making Christian noises is an incredible witness.

I have said before, but one of my favorite quotes about evangelism is attributed to St. Francis of Assisi "Preach the Gospel, if necessary use words."

Perhaps that is one of the things James was talking about when he said

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says!

James 1:22 NIV

Are you instructing people about Jesus or are you illustrating Jesus in your life?

To be effective your works must match your faith!

May the illustration of Christ’s love and power to overcome be shown in your life and draw those to whom are struggling to  where they want to be instructed and actually be shown how to overcome.

God bless.

Darrel Mason  

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