Taking the Low Road

I have been reflecting lately what it means for me to be part of the Body of Christ, the feet and hands of Christ in our world. I thought about this in the most recent retreat that Cindy and I attended with the Transforming Center.

I also think about this quite a bit as I am taking my masters program at Northwest University in Social Entrepreneurship. I am about half way through both of these two-year programs but far from really grasping the mystery of being Christ’s hands and feet in the world.

As I see it, the glory of God lives in the ordinary, everyday lives of His people living out His life in the world. He especially is seen where human needs are the greatest. A rabbi was asked why so few people seek God today and he wisely replied, “Most people don’t want to look that low.”

I have sought out lately where I can serve in a simple and “low road” way, a style I may not immediately be attracted to. I am beginning to volunteer by helping immigrants and foreign nationals learn or improve their English in order to get better jobs and have greater opportunities. They just need someone, some BODY, to help them practice this strange new language.

Where I get off track is thinking too much about it. “If I volunteer in this way does it really make a difference in the big scheme of things?” I ask myself. Or “I may never see these strangers again, what difference could giving my time make in their lives?” Or “Is this the best use of my time?” But I think those are the wrong questions.

More helpful questions might be, “Can I bring the presence of Christ to this individual today?” Or “Can I help them as I would want to be helped if roles were reversed?” “Can I alleviate their burden a little bit and help them feel a little less alone in this strange new land they now find themselves in?”

As I intentionally do this I believe I will see Him, know Him and experience Him as I follow Him by being engaged in the places He is at work in our world. Thanks for listening to some of my thoughts while on my journey. I hope it is an encouragement to you on yours.

Learning how to take the “low road,”

Jamie

Note: Do you have any stories of God’s Glory showing up in the ordinary? I would love to hear them and share them with a larger audience if you would like! Just email me at (JNBohnett@aol.com)

If you are receiving this and would like to receive my blog, “Glory In The Ordinary” sent to your email about 2-3 times a month on the theme of seeing God in the “ordinariness” of everyday life just email me at (JNBohnett@aol.com) and I would be happy to have you join me on this journey.