One of my sons is planning to sing "If We Are the Body" for our end of the year concert at the High School. As we were practicing it today the words really struck me.
As she slips in trying to fade into the faces
The girls teasing laughter is carrying
Farther than they know
Farther than they know
Why aren't His arms reaching
Why aren't His hands healing
Why aren't His words teaching
And if we are the body
Why aren't His feet going
Why is His love not showing them there is a way
There is a way
A traveler is far away from home
He sheds his coat and quietly
Sinks into the back row
The weight of their judgmental glances
Tells him that his chances are better
Out on the road
Jesus paid much too high a price
For us to pick and choose who should come
And we are the body of Christ
But if we are the body
Why aren't His arms reaching
Why aren't His hands healing
Why aren't His words teaching
And if we are the body
Why aren't His feet going
Why is His love not showing them there is a way
There is a way
Jesus is the way"
-Mark Hall
If we are the Body, why don't we reach out to those around us? Why aren't we working for healing? Why aren't we gently teaching and instructing? Why aren't we going out to those around us instead of criticizing them and judging them? I'm not thrilled with the fact that Exeter has now joined with High Schools all over the State that now prohibit an "Invocation" at High School graduation, but there are ways to deal with this that do NOT involve gossip, unkind words, judgmental attitudes and the like. Hey, why not just pray for them?
5 comments:
I agree Jean. It's so sad that praying is "illegal" but on the other hand, so many people have been hurt by Christians getting angry and being unkind and then they think we are all hypocrites. :(
One of the many sad aspects of this issue are the acts of Christians that don't really seem to be following Christ, and also seem to validate many non-Christian's stereotypes of Christians. Why do we think criticizing and threatening will bring more to Christ? It seems Satan has found another example of using Christians to be divisive with other Christians and with non-believers.
I couldn't agree with you more, Steve! I find more grace, love and acceptance among non-Christians than I do among Christians... at times.
"You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar"
This means that it is easier to persuade people if you use polite arguments and flattery than if you are confrontational.
Very nice post Jean, well said.
This has definitely been the topic of much conversation in the Garver household this week. Personally, I went from being disgusted at having the prayer taken out of the ceremony to being disappointed at the response of my 'fellow Christians'.
Instead of railing against an old Supreme Court decision, and attacking the people who want it implemented, why can't we look at this as an opportunity for a positive witness. Persecution is a hallmark of Christianity, it was never supposed to be the easy way to live our lives, and certainly not the way of the majority.
The graduation prayer had become something we all took for granted....and barely paid attention to. Maybe having it taken away will make us appreciate the freedom we have in this country to pray AT ALL.
Very true, Maureen! It's been the same thing in our house. Actually, Joseph has been the one to defend the "other side" and try to be positive. He's the one who will be singing "If We Are the Body". It would be much better if we loved and helped!
Post a Comment