1 John 4:7-8
“My beloved friends, let us continue to love each other since love comes from God. Everyone who loves is born of God and experiences a relationship with God.
I was at this little small coffee shop in Costa Mesa on Wednesday morning. As I was ordering my drink I struck up a conversation with the barista who was taking my order. Just swapping some get to know you talk, she asked me what I had planned for the day.
The conversation went a little like this:
Woman: “So what do you have planned for the day?”
Me: “Well after my coffee I’ll head off to work for the day.”
Woman: “Oh great! Where are you working?”
Me: “I work at a church not too far from here, in Newport.”
Woman: “Oh! That’s cool.. what church?”
Me: “It’s called St. Andrews.” (I smiled a little)
Woman: “Is that a Christian church!”
Then, a voice came from behind me and inserted himself into our short conversation.
Man: “oh hey! I love St. Andrews! My kids actually go to the after school program there. My family loves that place.”
I chatted with the man for a few minutes as he continued to ask me about my job, & shared his love for the St. Andrews community.
After he walked away, I sat down & was just in awe of how such small actions & words can influence & engage these moments of opportunity to share the gospel with people.
I sometimes wonder if the things that I do actually have an impact in this world. Sometimes I forget that every second of everyday counts for something.
That morning I was reminded that being open & honest about my life, even with strangers, can lead to opportunities where I can share a little about Jesus.
As we walk in the footsteps of Jesus right where we live, work, & play, being aware of God’s heart for the people who don’t know him, we can step out in confidence, make ourselves available & shine the light of Jesus for all to see. Because of our close connection with Jesus, ours lives should naturally be one that reflects the goodness of God to others. One that stands up for those who are being mistreated, or one that helps those who are in need. One that is compassionate, forgiving, & loving unconditionally.
When Jesus left, He gave us a job: Make disciples of all nations, establishing & building the kingdom of God on earth. Today we are still called to this very mission of expanding the kingdom of God on earth.
How are you going to choose to live this out?