It’s November, folks! Ten months have come and gone and 2009 is on the cusp of history! It’s been a good year, all things considered, hasn’t it? But here’s a thought for you. A challenging one too.
John Wesley said: “The gospel of Christ knows of no religion, but social; no holiness but social holiness.” If that is true, then our lives must spill over into society. Our holiness must permeate the community. Question is, has it? Every time I read 2 Kings 4:9 and come across the Shunammite woman’s observation of Elisha—“I perceive that he is a holy man of God”—I am challenged. Do people see me as holy? Do they see us, His Church, His Bride, as holy? Do they see our good works and glorify our Father who is in Heaven?
That’s my thought. And it’s come to the surface because I was broken by a provocative video I saw entitled “The Day My God Died.” It’s on YouTube at this link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BV5W6F4L5i8
Two friends, I met in Lincoln, Nebraska—Paul Yates and Doug Dvorak—challenged me with their love and compassion for these hapless, traumatized, naive kids. They’ve started an organization called TinyHandsInternational.org, committed to rescuing these children ‘one girl at a time.’ They’re also starting a prayer movement across the world to make sure that there is a spiritual cover for what they are doing. You can see details of this initiative on their website
So watch this video my friends, and think about social holiness and touching these dark places with God’s light and bringing a spark of life back to these innocent girls who’ve lost their innocence in such brutal ways, and then let’s DO something.
Because of His Amazing Grace,
Rev. Dr. Cecil Clements