October 27, 2011
Recently, in a prayer meeting at my church, two people spoke up and confessed a realization of indifference to the spiritual plight of neighbors, co-workers and family members. Their heart-felt conviction and brokenness was real…to the point of tears. Those few moments affected me to the core. Since that evening, I find myself, more often than not, examining my motives and relationships. Am I boldly standing for Christ without fear of criticism? Do I truly care about the people God has placed in my life, to the point of tears and a concern for their eternity?
Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for people to have an attitude of indifference when it comes to the lost and suffering people across town or around the world. Helen Keller once said, “Science may have found a cure for most evils, but it has found no remedy for the worst of them all: the apathy of human beings.” However, for the Christian, this should never be the case nor is this attitude an option.
While we live in a society which strives to be self-sufficient, God has shown mercy and grace to each and every person He created through the death and resurrection of His Son Jesus Christ on the cross…whether we acknowledge it or not. For those of us who know Christ as our Savior, we are commanded to reach out and demonstrate a Christ-like compassion to the world around us. Our mission may be next door or in far away places or even within our own home.
The foundation of Mustard Seed’s mission is in response to Jesus’ Great Commission found in Mark 16:15. In many instances, the opportunities which the Lord provides MSI to share the Gospel with lost and hurting people are similar to those Christ spoke in Matthew 25: 35-40 (NIV):
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ ”
“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’ ”
The Lord will judge our willingness to serve and honor Him. In anticipation of that day, may the Gospel of Grace mark our every step, word and action. Please join with other missions-minded, committed believers, through your prayers and financial support of MSI, as we together advance Christ’s Kingdom.
In His service,
Bill Deans
