Showing posts with label Muslim. Show all posts

beauty

Photo Shows Muslims Protecting Church in Egypt as Congregants Attend Mass

There was a time when I would read an article like this and wonder to myself, "What exactly does it mean to be Christians, if people who follow insert religion here can be better people?"

But the beautiful thing about following Christ and not just religion is that that is exactly the point. My life aim isn't to be better than the pious Muslim or Buddhist. If I tried, I might be able to accomplish it; but even if I did, it would add nothing to my life:
"For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die... " (Romans 5:7)
Perhaps for a good person one would dare to die, but Jesus did the unthinkable by dying for not only the righteous but even sinners:
"... but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)
And that's how God finds me. Not as a "good Christian" or a good human being but as a sinner. This is where my hope is built. And that hope won't change no matter how much better of a person I may become (which does happen, mind you...).

So I read the article and I see Jesus' beauty reflected in the actions of Muslim leaders. Jesus stood up for the oppressed, and he defended a sinful woman being stoned. He loved the unlovable. I rejoice that this is the Savior I worship; exactly the kind of saving I need; the kind of love that is reflected in this act.

May we all come to see the beauty of Jesus everyday.

Chris

stay on your toes

This past Sunday, my LIFE group went up to Pierpont to share some homemade wings and Victors Pizza and watch the Superbowl. While chilling, we ran into a guy whose name is Ahmed and who attends a mosque in northern Ann Arbor.

I asked him where he was coming from and he boldly stated that he was coming from prayer time and that he goes to Jummah prayer every Friday.

Sometimes I'm far too timid about my faith.

I told him I'd talk to him after the game, so afterward I headed over and asked him if he was indeed a very devout Muslim.

He replied, "I try to be. I try my hardest... But I still sin sometimes."

That statement broke my heart, and I know it breaks God's. I wonder how many Christians feel this way; that the only way out of condemnation is to avoid sin by our own effort. I didn't share the gospel with him then, because he was heading out. I don't know how much he needed to hear it then and there. I'll label it a missed opportunity.

It reminded me how long it's been since I've just gone out, willing and open to share the gospel with anyone who's willing to hear. My heart for evangelism has grown stale, and as I talked with people I realized how much I'd forgotten to be prepared to share the gospel even in my own workplace and neighborhood.

God, keep me on my toes. Feet fitted with readiness of the gospel of peace; always prepared to give a reason for my hope.

Chris

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