A few years before she died, my mother expressed what seemed to be a rather strange concern.
How could she appear before Jesus with empty hands, or, as she explained, not having brought anyone to conversion?
It was a difficult question to answer to her satisfaction, but sometime later the thought occurred to me that Paul, writing to the Corinthians,( who were concerned about which of the apostles they should follow), said that though he (Paul) planted and Apollos watered, only God can give growth. It is for us to be followers of Jesus, and to remain in his love, as he loved us first. On many occasions we preach the gospel by our lifestyle, often not being aware of how others see us.
Have you ever felt that you have done very little for others or even for God? How do we interpret the verse in the Bible that tells us to love others as ourselves? Does it mean looking into a mirror and telling ourselves just how handsome, good and lovable we are, and then reminding ourselves that others are just as good? No. It is not so much what we consciously do, but our Christian way of living that speaks the loudest.
St. Francis of Assissi said we must always preach the gospel, and if necessary, sometimes use words.
A family member recently sent me some photographs of my late younger brothers gravestone. I couldnt quite see the point of these pictures until I read the message written on the back. It stated that Phil had loved me dearly, and that I had played a prominent role in his life.
Sitting and wondering about what role I could have played, I sent her a text message saying Whatever could I have done to justify such acknowledgment? Her response was that butterflies do not see the colours of their wings, yet we see and enjoy their beautiful blaze and variety of colours. She knew how special I was to him.
As I sat wondering about these words, a profound thought occurred to me. My conscious efforts to be friendly and kind usually made me feel it was a bit contrived. It was when I got involved with something or someone other than myself that I was really effective. And I had certainly been involved with my brother.
Butterflies for Christ
A dear friend of ours serves in a prison ministry where she gives regular Bible studies to the prisoners. What amazes me is how animatedly she can tell of the responses from prisoners who had accepted Jesus as their Saviour. She has such a passion for the work that it doesnt seem like work to her. Its what she does! She just tells of the joy she experiences when the Word goes out and these incarcerated souls just drink it in.
This woman is a butterfly for Christ, not aware of her radiant colours.
It is the deeds and behaviour we unconsciously do that speak louder to others. When we listen to someone with genuine interest and get so engrossed in their story that we even forget about ourselves, we are unconsciously placing the speaker above ourselves. When we get passionately lost in our action of doing good we get to that point that Jesus explained about those who would one day come to him and say Lord, Lord when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? (Matthew 25:37). Jesus takes personally our treatment of other people.
When we gaze at a stunningly beautiful sunset, or the clouds scurrying across the sky on a windy day, or a starry sky on a clear night, we stand in awe of the majesty of the Triune God. We become insignificant in our own estimation. We only see the beauty of God and his creation.
One of my favourite old hymns is I am Thine, O Lord. One line which always strikes me says, till my will be lost in Thine. When were that close to God, we dont need others approval.
My mother neednt have worried. Who knows how many were encouraged and strengthened by her love and humour and kindness? Her life was a testimony to her faith, and her beautifully coloured butterfly wings were obvious to everyone who knew her. And Jesus knew her better than anyone else.
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