Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Monday Through Saturday are Important Too.

IMG_2438       I have been reading a wonderful book by Max Lucado that has helped to express something that I have been thinking about for some time. We put on our “Sunday best” in clothes, attitudes and general friendliness every Sunday, but do we act like Monday through Saturday are important too? We may call ourselves a pastor, missionary or child of God, but do we act like it all week? What others observe in us during the week speaks to who we really are. What is in a name, or a title? Check out the following story by Max Lucado in his book “A Gentle Thunder”.

A Jewish couple were arguing over the name to give their firstborn. They finally asked the rabbi to come and intercede.
“What is the problem?” the rabbi asked.
The wife spoke first. “He wants to name the boy after his father, and I want to name the boy after my father.”
“What is your father’s name?” He asked the man.
“Joseph.”
“And what is your father’s name?” he asked the woman.
“Joseph.”
The rabbi was stunned. “So, what is the problem?”
It was the wife who spoke again. “His father was a horse thief, and mine was a righteous man. How can I know my son is named after my father and not his?”
“The rabbi thought and replied, “Call the boy Joseph. Then see if he is a horse thief or a righteous man. You will know which father’s name he wears.”Vickie with children at the drilling site

     And we find that all through the week our actions speak louder than our words. Again, a story from Max Lucado’s book “A Gentle Thunder”.

Saint Francis of Assisi once invited a young monk to accompany him to town to preach. The novice was honored at the opportunity. The two set out for the city, then walked up and down the main street, then several side streets. They chatted with peddlers and greeted the citizens. After some time they returned by another route to the abbey.
The younger man reminded Francis of his original intent. “You have forgotten, Father, that we went to town to preach.”
“My son,” he replied, “we have preached. We have been seen by many. Our behavior was closely watched. Our attitudes were closely measured. Or words have been overheard. It was by thus that we preached our morning sermon.”

     Remember, actions do speak louder than words, and sometimes we are screaming and we don’t even know it.  I just thought I would share some thoughts that I have been contemplating lately.

Have a great week.

Missionary Mark

Matthew 12:34 (NIV)
34For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.