The Jesus Creed
The terrorist attacks on 9/11/2001 changed our way of living and left us with many questions. Even if we could get satisfactory answers to our questions, our former way of life will never be restored. Never. Some of us now question things we would have calmly accepted in the past. That’s true in every arena. Things have changed dramatically in the religious landscape of America, as well, and we wonder if things will ever be the same as they used to. The answer is simple: They won’t.
But could things be better?
We have talked a great deal over the last few years about the concept of spiritual formation...with varying degrees of clarity. In his book The Jesus Creed, author Scot McKnight examines what it means to be spiritually formed.
It is simple.
It is profound.
Spiritual formation is about the love of God...and others. A spiritually formed person loves God and others. Spiritual formation begins with loving God...and loving others. Spiritual formation is about relationships—with God and with others.
Perhaps the Red Cross made the most notable and visible difference about loving and caring for others when they instituted a way to donate to disaster relief following the terrible earthquake and subsequent ruin of Haiti in 2010. All someone had to do to donate $10 to disaster relief for Haiti was to text the word “HAITI” to a short number on their mobile phone. The $10 was then added as a charge to their phone bill. How brilliant was that?! $43 million dollars was collected from mobile givers texting. Since then, for just about every natural disaster the world over, we can donate a small amount of money (small to us, perhaps, but HUGE for the effort) simply by texting a number on our mobile phone.
It wasn't the first time people gave generously to disaster relief. However, it changed who was doing the giving. It became up close and personal for a lot more people. Their hearts were pricked. They were motivated by love for mankind to do something.
Your Mission
If God asked you to love the unlovable, how would you begin? Do one thing to start seeing all people as God does, worthy of love.
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