The Way of Jesus
February 8, 2007 | Filed Under way of Jesus |
A statement that has had a significant impact on my thoughts and actions the past year comes from Eugene Peterson.
“The way of Jesus is always local and ordinary”
It is local in that we are to serve and love those who are local to us; in other words those who are right in front of us throughout the day.
And the way of Jesus is ordinary in that it does not have to be spectacular. It is simple. It is a cold Coke for the trash men. It is a good tip for the Sonic carhop. It is a sincere “thank you for serving us” to the flight attendant. It is taking the time to listen to the neighborhood kids. It is praying for those who God brings to the forefront of our minds throughout the day.
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Awesome! This has been a powerful little sentence for me as well (ever since you shared it several months ago). It seems that we need to actually learn to live like this before we’re ready to move on to bigger things. Thanks for the reminder.
Amen to simple! While observing a ticket counter attendant field rants and raves from disgruntled customers as she shared the dreaded news that the flight had been cancelled, I thought of the calming effect Jesus might have on the situation. As I approached this teary eyed young woman, I assured her life would go on, I encouraged her and assured her I would pray for her that day. After she let the tears flow for a bit, she thanked me and smiled. (she also gave me a roundtrip voucher to anywhere the airline flew, something the others did not get, and I did not expect) My point is, simple acts of kindness and simple calm can change a person’s outlook on life. People can move from despondency to hope and from despair to happiness. I am struck by the calm Jesus offered wherever he found himself. Afterall he calmed the raging seas, he can certainly calm a rattled ticket attendant. Simple! It IS the Way of Christ!
Right on Jay! Thanks for the great example.