“We have been repeatedly reminded by our leader that we are NOT tourists – we are an INVESTMENT and must search for how He wants us to use this precious investment and privilege. Our world is rocking, so when I read the words of your post on this particular day, I am reminded of how I too have shunned, denied and crucified Him. God give us the strength and courage to never do it again as we approach glorification.”
These were the comments of a friend after reading my last post while on tour of Israel.
I was struck by the statement that we are not tourist, we are an investment. My mind then went to Peter’s words: “Dear friends, I urge you as strangers and temporary residents to abstain from fleshly desires that war against you, Conduct yourselves honorably among the Gentiles, so that in a case where they speak against you as those who do what is evil, they will, by observing your good works, glorify God on the day of visitation. (I Peter 2:11-12 Holman Christian Standard Bible).
The more we serve others out of love, the greater the glory to our God and the return on our investment on this earth. We are pilgrims but not tourist. Our life has purpose and ill spent if all we do is wander around experiencing the mystery of creation. Our task is through love to alter creation, to make a difference, especially as the globe seems now to be heating up with religious and political animosity. We are the people of God, the ecclesia, the called our ones.
My soul then seemed to hear the words of an earlier chorus by Wayne Watson of Christ for the Nations, which better sings what my heart desires to say:
We are the people of God, not simply tourists but an investment in a world waiting to be loved.
Take a few moments this morning to listen to these lyrics as well:
Comments