Seeking Practical Advice

[TRUTH over TRADITION]

On here we argue, debate, show how smart we are, as well as show how ignorant and self absorbed we can be. Some of that (the honest debate part) has its place, but for those of us aspiring to be Christians, we should be shining a brighter light than that. I know I am deficient in that area, and as I study the words of Jesus I realize that I need to be doing a whole lot more loving and serving than I do now, especially in light of what Jesus said in Matthew 25:31 and following. I really struggle in this area because I rarely find myself in the position to help anyone outside of my "circle" from day to day because of my monotonous daily rituals.
Here's my request. Will someone please provide some suggestions on how to do the things Jesus talked about in our daily lives while living our very busy daily lives? It seems that God will hold us accountable for how we treat other people. In light of that, because life is short, and above all because their are people who are hurting, shouldn't we be looking for practical ways to be a blessing in the lives of our fellow man? This would seem like an easy task, but as I said earlier I have a hard time with that and far too often my aloof nature gets between me and my intentions of getting involved in the lives of others. I need help to overcome that, so I ask for prayers and advice, practical advice that may help me to see some opportunities I've been missing and advice on how to find, I mean make the time to do the things Godliness would dictate that I should be involved in. Any advice?

 

[pjt]

I think MUCH more than what we are involved in is how we interact with and treat people. Too many times Christians are encouraged to be involved with various good works, missions, etc., but these are just works that can mean zilch to God. They look good to people and get lots of praise from people but mean nothing to God. But how you treat the people in your inner circle means a lot. Don`t discount that. Have you ever heard stories of the missionaries that saved hundereds but lost their own children? In the end, these that forsook their inner circle to do good works for others wept with great regret. Your inner circle is your biggest mission. You can only do so much for those outside your circle but what you do with those inside your circle can make a HUGE difference. As a body of Believers our first duty is to take care of our own family and community of Believers. This will be a light to the world. If you can produce a loving family people notice. Why invest in another family when God gave you your own to invest in? First take care of your family. Then if you can contribute to a kind, loving atmosphere in the Body of Believers, this is a great light and witness that gets people`s attention. Why run from the Body to the darkness to do some good work that will be swallowed up in the darkness when you can be standing with other Believers making a city on the hill for all to see and draw people to that hill and city? Please don`t discount your inner circle.

So how on a practical level can you live out your faith? I think it depends on the gifts God gives you. But naturally we should be trying to practice love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance. Instead of complaining, we can smile and say something good. Smiles and good attitudes are contagious. If you spread a smile or good attitude to someone, you have pleased God.
If someone is feeling down, encourage them in faith.
If you feel like chewing someone out, hold your tongue and exercise patience. This will not go unnoticed.
If you feel like saying something bad about someone, hold your tongue. This too will not go unnoticed. I knew a nonChristian and he was very impressed with his Christian grandmother because he said "as long as I have known her she has never said one bad thing about another person". I thought "wow, I wish that could be said of all Christians."
Show a gentle attitude rather than a harsh one.
It is your character that is going to speak louder than your words or actions in the end.

 

[reba]

ToT, Some times it is harder to be Christlike to those we see everyday. Strangers don,t get on our last good nerve so often.

A simple kindness to a coworker. Making sure your boss get his full 8 hours. Letting the lady with a gang of kids and the way to full shopping cart to go ahead and all you have is a gallon of milk.... Giving back the over payment of change. Being kind to the waiter. (Folks making sure others see them say grace in the cafe and then they have the nerve to get cranky with the help) Follow that feeling to pray with some one in public! A simple change of a greeting... have a nice day to have a blessed day.


Some folks don't live in a place where they can say go to the local food closet
We can find ways of helping others and do so as unto the Lord with out carrying a banner saying look at how good i am.

One real blessing i had.. a women who hardly speaks English came into the little store/cafe i had been having some very scary times. She reached over the counter took my hand and said in very broken english Jesus wants me to pray for you. She went from spanish to english and back again. She was a small part of a big turn.


Some times i do live up to the first paragraph not as often as i would like.. Be kind for no other reason then to be kind. Expect nothing in return.

 

[Danus]

I always start with myself and God first. If my relationship with God is weak I'm no good to him when it comes to others. Then I focus on my family, since they are the closest to me. I work out from there to friends, co-workers and acquaintance's. I try to keep that tight in that order first.

As for people in the world, strangers, I take caution, but I look for opportunities. I treat others as kind as I can with the help of God.

People in general, that we do not know, can be dangerous, unpredictable even hostile when it comes to us interacting as Christians. I'm just saying we should not be naive that just because we are Christians others will welcome, respect, or invite our company, help, or advice. It depends on the situation one finds themselves in.

There have been times when I've misread some folks. I've always been the type of neighbor to meet new neighbors when they move in for example thinking they must be pretty much like me right....wrong. I've meet people I wished I did not know, work with, or live near before. I've found things out about some people I'd rather not know, or that I am totally unequip to deal with.

Sometimes we are not the answer for others, but just the example to them. Sometimes that's the best we can be. Such situations sadden me and make me feel a little worthless as if my interaction is a failure. When I feel this way I am reminded of what someone once told me; that God does not need or even require that I help people or spread the word. He can do that on his own in many ways...rather it should be viewed as our privilege to do so more than our duty. We don't always know what he has going on in the lives of others or how we fit in that for his purpose.

 

[Mike]

Luke 10
"<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV1984-25394">38</sup> As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV1984-25395">39</sup> She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV1984-25396">40</sup> But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!†<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV1984-25397">41</sup> “Martha, Martha,†the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV1984-25398">42</sup> but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.â€

Most of us clutter our lives with unnecessary activity, but if we're honest, there are many things we do that we don't need to. We just can't seem to be still and know that He is God. I'd suggest you, me, and countless others slow down, take the clutter out of our day that doesn't need to be there, and replace it with quiet time.

In truth, I am among the worst of these believers who need more quiet time.

 

[Nathan]

On here we argue, debate, show how smart we are, as well as show how ignorant and self absorbed we can be. Some of that (the honest debate part) has its place, but for those of us aspiring to be Christians, we should be shining a brighter light than that. I know I am deficient in that area, and as I study the words of Jesus I realize that I need to be doing a whole lot more loving and serving than I do now, especially in light of what Jesus said in Matthew 25:31 and following. I really struggle in this area because I rarely find myself in the position to help anyone outside of my "circle" from day to day because of my monotonous daily rituals.
Here's my request. Will someone please provide some suggestions on how to do the things Jesus talked about in our daily lives while living our very busy daily lives? It seems that God will hold us accountable for how we treat other people. In light of that, because life is short, and above all because their are people who are hurting, shouldn't we be looking for practical ways to be a blessing in the lives of our fellow man? This would seem like an easy task, but as I said earlier I have a hard time with that and far too often my aloof nature gets between me and my intentions of getting involved in the lives of others. I need help to overcome that, so I ask for prayers and advice, practical advice that may help me to see some opportunities I've been missing and advice on how to find, I mean make the time to do the things Godliness would dictate that I should be involved in. Any advice?

Practical. Boy, I wish I was smart in this area. God will hold us accountable. Not just for how we treat others, but for the thing He has given us. Faith. Practicality is a life of faith. Seems like an oxymoron, but its not. A life of faith can take on different aspects each and every day. At times it can be hard, sometimes soft. A life of faith is a life of following Christ. We do this in the Spirit, not in our flesh. And what does this life look like?

Jhn 3:6-8 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.' The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit."

Its a life of 'unknown' but yet at the same time of 'known'. Sounds like another oxymoron, but its not. I know your frustration with what goes on here. Sometimes I wonder just how much I cause myself. But when I walk in faith, on here, I know I am doing what I am called to do. Sometimes I am silent on subjects, sometimes I am very loud on them. But its not just here, its in the 'real' world also. And thats a life of faith.

Constant communication with the Spirit is key. That is the practical part. If your not communing with the Spirit then things are not going to seem right. Why? Because your walking by sight. This is a very much learned process. It is something that does not come natural to the body, but it does come natural to the spirit inside you. The key is to focus on the spirit inside you who communes with the Spirit of God.

When we fill our lives with the things of the world, the things that are perishing, the things that will be destroyed; we make it hard on ourselves to distinguish the things of the Spirit. Think about the analogy Jesus gave. The Spirit is like the wind. If we surround ourselves with solid objects, objects we see-feel-touch, then we will not feel the wind.

Is this all mystical? Not at all. Its very real. Its not something that should be done, as much as it is something we should be. The reason it can seem so complicated sometimes is we have one foot in this world and one in the kingdom. Once a soul puts both feet in the kingdom then things seem a whole lot clearer. Please, please do not take this the wrong way. Just read it for what it is.

 

[Rinid]

I'm not sure here if your looking to help some of those hurting in a direct manner, or just improve the way you live your daily life here. If it's more on a daily manner there is alot already posted. If you are looking to get more involved in a direct manner then I would suggest that you look at what your church is already doing. Go to each thing and ask is this what I feel god pulling me towards. If this how I can help. If you find one great. If not then be care direct. What exactly do I feel god calling me to help in? Is there people around me I can help in the way god is calling me. Then see if anyone else has done what your thinking of doing. See if you can find support for setting up everything. Starting something new is alot of work but is very rewarding. Just joining in something the church is already doing can be just as rewarding. The important thing is not to try to lead something, but to do what you feel god calling you to do. Could mean volenteering once a month at a homeless shelter, could mean teaching bible study one a week. Often times we find that we are planted in a church that is doing what we feel god is calling us into and didn't know that our church was doing it until we seeked it out.

 

[TRUTH over TRADITION]

<SUP>

<SUP>22</SUP> ‘As for the one planted among the thistles; This one hears the word, but the concerns of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke-out the Word and he doesn’t produce fruit.

</SUP>
The above is a description the 3rd heart in Matthew 13's parable of the sower, and it has always troubled me. It is not a heart that has "bad soil" and in fact, growth comes quickly from this heart, but its problem is that it is a cluttered heart.
It seems like this heart could represent me and maybe a lot of others, but I'll just speak for ToT. In this scenario, the cares of life were allowed to choke out what the word was producing. It's a scary thought because I know that I have allowed myself to develop a lifestyle that virtually requires that my heart be "cluttered" with the worries and daily habits that modern living SEEMS to require of us.

 

[Nathan]

<SUP></SUP>
The above is a description the 3rd heart in Matthew 13's parable of the sower, and it has always troubled me. It is not a heart that has "bad soil" and in fact, growth comes quickly from this heart, but its problem is that it is a cluttered heart.
It seems like this heart could represent me and maybe a lot of others, but I'll just speak for ToT. In this scenario, the cares of life were allowed to choke out what the word was producing. It's a scary thought because I know that I have allowed myself to develop a lifestyle that virtually requires that my heart be "cluttered" with the worries and daily habits that modern living SEEMS to require of us.

But the end of that plant is death. Your plant is still growing. Death is when it is all over, not now. Just allow the Gardener to do a little work. You can withstand this work if you send your roots deeper and not try to make your leaves bigger. Spend the energy you have in going deep, and then when tuff times come you will have sources of nutrients. Going bigger with your leaves only makes you look good. ;)

 

[TRUTH over TRADITION]

But the end of that plant is death. Your plant is still growing. Death is when it is all over, not now. Just allow the Gardener to do a little work. You can withstand this work if you send your roots deeper and not try to make your leaves bigger. Spend the energy you have in going deep, and then when tuff times come you will have sources of nutrients. Going bigger with your leaves only makes you look good. ;)

Good points Nathan, but just so I'm clear I want to emphasize that the things that I feel are lacking are NOT things I want to do in order to be seen of men, but rather part of what a believer's reasonable service to God is.
So often, especially lately I have been feeling convicted due to the clutter in my life and this parable as well as texts like Hebrews 12:1-2 that tell the believer to "lay aside every weight" as well as the sin which besets us in order to run with endurance the race set before us.
The older I've gotten, the more I have become persuaded that the way we spend our time is pretty much a good reflection of our hearts or at least where our hearts are and where our treasure is. I feel that too often we try to find ways to fit God into our lives as opposed to fashioning our lives around God.

 

[Nathan]

Mat 11:28-30 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

If things seem to be bothering you then there is something wrong. Repentance is a change of mind, that is then followed by a change in actions. Can't put the cart before the horse with this one.

Your right. Hebrews says we should do this because of the 'cloud' of witnesses. These witnesses give testimony to the faithfulness of God, and give us a clear and concise picture of what our aim should be. To know what that aim is just back up a chapter and read the examples given of them.

Its not a pretty good reflection....;)....it is THE reflection. That is the way most of us are taught, or at least I know I was. Maybe not out and out, but when you consider it the evidence all points too it. We 'tack' God onto our chest and stick Him in our back pocket as a insurance policy.

I really, really understand where you are coming from. I have been there. But am not anymore. But the wisest man, besides Christ, said this about the matter.

Ecc 12:8-14 Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher; all is vanity. Besides being wise, the Preacher also taught the people knowledge, weighing and studying and arranging many proverbs with great care. The Preacher sought to find words of delight, and uprightly he wrote words of truth. The words of the wise are like goads, and like nails firmly fixed are the collected sayings; they are given by one Shepherd. My son, beware of anything beyond these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh. The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with [fn] every secret thing, whether good or evil.

Eph 4:4-6 There is one body and one Spirit--just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call--one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

 

[Lloyd]

Great thread... great, great thread. Stay humble.. there's some great advice that's already been posted.

I feel the same as you, I know exactly where you're coming from.

Wow .. what a beautiful opportunity we have been given. All praise and glory to God for he is truly amazing. What a journey we have...

 

[Chris]

Maybe this can be done like this, looking and waiting for an opportunity to witness for god may not be that necessary
as you are a witness in your actions. like this saying:

When a person has good character it really shines brightest when no one is watching.

Actions whatever they are consistent with gods word will always send positive messages to people about your belief.

Cooking and taking a meal to someones place who is sick or has a family member in hospital is always a winner that way.

I try to talk about the fun things we do at church to my friends in a positive way.
People are watching all we do for an excuse to believe or not to believe.

sometimes I think if your doing whats written in the beatitudes you may be on the right track.

Hope that helps I am not sure if it answers your question but it was all I could think of.