Complaining Eyes and Crocodile Tears
Monday, September 26, 2011 at 3:17PM I don’t know how many times I have stared at my bookshelf with complaining eyes.
“I have read that book how many times now?” “If I didn’t live in Peru I would be able to get books in English way easier.” “Maybe I should by a Kindle. Then I could read to my hearts content.”
Here enters the crocodile tears…
There have been times when I have picked up the Bible and flipped open to a story that I have read who knows how many times. Instant reaction, “Boring. Read it.”
What a whiny baby right?
It seemed natural to me. Want more books and complain when I read the same stories of the Bible. Everybody struggles with that kind of stuff right?
Yet, as I have been reaching out to those that I hate to say are “poor,” (because they are so rich in so many areas), I begin to understand how privileged and blessed my life has been.
Yesterday I had the opportunity to teach on worship. So while we were worshipping, I looked around instead of closing my eyes. I began to realize that almost half the congregation was not looking into the song book. It dawned on me, “they can’t read.”
How difficult it must be to worship if you don’t know the songs.
As I was preaching I began to teach from the Bible. Again it dawned on me, “these people are completely dependent on my words to learn the Word of God because they can’t read God’s love story themselves.”
What weight I felt to share with them.
At times eyes glazed over because even some of the most simple things for us Western Christians, became too much for them. They are not stupid. They are extremely intelligent. They just have not had people to nurture them and grow them in the way I have.
I don’t have all the answers, but I do know something must be done about this. I refuse to think that God designed leadership in the Church for only those that can read and write things perfectly. I know that if any of these young babies in Christ start ministering to their people in the future, they will impact their community way more than I could ever hope to.
I can’t ever look at my Bible the same.
I can’t ever look at my book shelf the same.
It is my burden that I must do all I can in the power and name of Jesus Christ, to raise up disciples that can reach out to the nations.
What an amazing burden.
Reader Comments (2)
"What an amazing burden."
I really love that. Such a bittersweet place to be, I think... Knowing that God has entrusted you with a love for something beautiful and special to Him, yet knowing that it is such a heavy burden and a lot of the time, hard work. But this post shows where your guys' hearts are, which is a great place, vulnerable to God's direction... I love that you're open to gentle rebukes from the Lord.
Anyway, I pray that God carries on blessing the ministry He's given you... if He's given it to you, then you're the right people for it!!! Love it.
Adeleina
Auckland, New Zealand.
You are right Adeleina. It is a very bittersweet place to be. Thank you for following, and thank you for your encouragement!!!