We also see this through Jesus. John the Baptists Disciples come to Jesus and ask him if he, Jesus, is the Messiah. Jesus responds by telling them to report all that they have seen back to John the Baptist. Jesus does not openly tell these disciples who he is, he allows his actions to speak for them selves.
Jesus also invites us into this missional activity. We see in Matthew 25, at the judgment of the nations, that feeding, or clothing, or visiting, or caring or welcoming those who are in need is doing these things to Jesus. What a humbling thing that when we go out and help someone it is an act of love shown to God.
There is something about connecting our beliefs to our actions. It is not about being convicted or guilted into helping others it is about being fill by the Spirit and being so filled that you are compelled to acts of Love. I know that I do not always do a good job of this. I talk a big game, but seldom take the time to put what I believe into action. Either fear cripples me or my own laziness holds me back. I feel very humbled by this. And I see a lot of people who do and feel this same way. This disconnect from what we believe and say and what we do is a place where we as Christians are called hypocrites, among other things.
I am reminded by the old hymn of the church, They'll Know We Are Christians By Our Love. The refrain of this hymn is wonderful,
"And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
They will know we are Christians by our love "
What a powerful thing to be known for. This hymn is not saying that we will be known for our sound doctrine, or our political afflictions, or knowledge of the Bible, but we will be known for our LOVE! A Love that God showed us first and then shown fully in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
May we carry this love into the world without fear or expectation of getting anything in return!
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