Six of us get together to watch rugby as often as possible. We love it and even have a WhatsApp group called Rugby Pals. We used to watch the rugby at one of the group’s house and most of the time something would happen in the braai, even for the morning games. There is absolutely nothing wrong with having a piece of red meat and sausage for breakfast!
Nowadays we usually look in the village in a restaurant, probably because the wives got tired of washing the dishes. But that doesn’t bother us. There is no way to stop our enthusiasm. We challenge each other in Superbru, we bet a couple of rands and we take to dinner whoever has the money, the one who ends up winning at the end of the season.
It’s nice to have some friends that you can get together and have fun. We take care of each other. We are interested in what is going on in the lives of others. We help each other when we see one being left behind when life or work becomes too much.
We tell all our other friends about this and invite them to join us. It is full of camaraderie and a good space to disconnect and recharge batteries.
So why don’t we spread the Gospel with the same enthusiasm? Why don’t we also have a WhatsApp where we enthusiastically share God’s message of salvation? Why don’t we get together and talk about God’s work in our lives this week, over a bite to eat in the braai? Why don’t we share the enjoyment with all our other friends and invite them to come and share it?
Something missing.
Especially if I look at the way Paul does it: 1I, Paul, am in prison for Christ’s sake… Something in Paul is on fire and he just can’t keep quiet. He is not restricted by his circumstances. He does not say that he is in prison and therefore has no contact with the outside world and that his hands are tied and his voice is silent.
He is so enthusiastic that he does his best to get the message across despite his circumstances.
And for the first time I get it. If Paul had not been imprisoned, would he still have written the letters that help keep us on the right track today? I don’t know, but what I do know is that God uses the negative circumstances in which we find ourselves for his glory!
Let’s learn from Paul. Let’s not be blinded by our circumstances and be just as excited to spread the Gospel. Let’s start a WhatsApp group where we encourage each other with the Word of God. Let’s discuss something and share the Word of God among our friends. Let’s talk about the wonderful things God is doing in our lives at work and at home.
God uses crooked sticks like you and me to give a straight shot. Do not be shy; You can save someone’s life!
Holy Scripture
Philemon 1:1-3
Reflection
Do you talk to others about God?
Do you and your friends tell others about God?
Where can you show God to the world?
Prayer
Father, I realize that I don’t always show the world who you are. Sometimes I am shy. Sometimes I don’t know how. Sometimes I just don’t try hard enough. Please teach me and help me to do it. I ask this in the name of Jesus, Amen.