Walk outside. Look at the first large tree in front of you. That tree is healthy and vigorous because it is living a very challenging life. That tree has battled droughts one year and flood rains the next year. It is in a daily battle with squirrels, woodpeckers and all kinds of aggressive insects. We do not know how strong it must be in its battles with bacteria and other diseases.
But it is thriving!
It lives and grows in a very challenging world. But it is the challenges that make it strong and beautiful.
As soon as your baby is born it is sweet; but oh so challenging! Some days when that baby turns two it may seem very difficult – but then they will become teenagers!
A healthy life a very challenged life.
May we be challenged by the unbelievers and the not-sure type people; “Can we recognize in you that the Gospel of Jesus actually makes a difference? Can we see in you that you are not to any degree racist, but actually trying to see the image of God in everyone who is different from you?”
How open is your local church community towards new people from different countries and languages?
Are you challenged by a lack of concern for the poor and the forgotten who live right around you? Is the concern for others a vital part of your conversation or do you only talk about yourself and your daily concerns? Does your conversation manifest that the compassionate heart of Jesus actually lives in your heart?
Do you help your children grow up to be generous with sharing the goods of the earth? Are you encouraging them to buy a jar of peanut butter to be donate to the food bank to help those who are having a very difficult time caring for their children?
Do your friends observe from your conversations that you are concerned about the well-being of the earth? Are you working to preserve a world where future generations can live and thrive? Does your religious faith have any impact on your love and care of our common home, the earth?
When healthy parents are dealing with a super-active little guy, they respond appropriately ; and sometimes get tired in the process. When healthy Christians are challenged, they respond to the prodding (the movement ) of the Holy Spirit in their daily lives.
And when did Jesus challenge you? When did you become upset by the way his teaching in the Gospel touched a raw nerve? How has Jesus challenged you?
Challenge is essential to growth in our Christian lives. May you be just like the tree you were studying a moment ago: you have grown strong because you were challenged.
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