One of my favorite stories is about Francis of Assisi.
The story goes that one particular day he planned to go into
town to preach.
He invited a young monk to accompany him.
The young monk felt quite honored to be asked along.
The pair set out the following morning.
When they arrived in town they walked up and down its
streets.
They stopped and visited with everyone they came in contact
with.
They met with people of all classes and all occupations.
As the day ended, they headed for home.
As they made their way, the young monk commented to Francis that
perhaps they forgot their purpose in going to town.
After all, the monk had been told they were going to town to
preach,
Francis reminded the monk that they had indeed preached.
They encountered many people who observed their every move
and attitude very closely.
That, according to Francis, was how their sermon was
preached.
Christians today, myself included, can take a valuable
lesson from Francis.
Sometimes we defeat our purpose in the way we act or the
words we choose.
On one hand, we desire to bring people to Jesus.
On the other hand, our actions and attitudes can drive them
away.
Sometimes the way we act is not like Christ would have us
act.
Sometimes we even argue about the smallest of things.
We might even let the color of coffee cups at Christmas upset
us.
What kind of sermon is that?
The words of Francis of Assisi remind us, “Preach the gospel
at all times; if necessary, use words.”
Ephesians 6:10 (NET) - For we are his workmanship, having been created
in Christ Jesus for good works that God prepared beforehand so we may do them.
Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on
Friday, November 27, 2015.
I’ll be back here on Friday, December 4, 2015
