I teach social psychology and in our session on altruism, I ask how many students have been waiters. And then ask those, “what groups do you look forward to serving?” It’s never Christians at Sunday lunch after church. Our text always mentions that people who drink tend to be more generous. So, I remind them of Ephesians 5:18. “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.” And preach to them that as Christians we should be the groups that light up the faces of waiters. We should be known for our kindness and generosity. (Been preaching/teaching this for 30+ years and hope some have listened.)
That has become my litmus test for teaching that I hear/read - is it Good News? Does it make sense as something that’s good, freeing, beautiful, true, etc? That helps me cut through a lot of the online arguments that go on...!
I agree with every word of this. Some of my evangelical friends constantly remind that we should be telling people about Jesus. I always argue that if we show people Jesus, then they'll eventually ask about him.
That can and does happen. But sometimes they kill the prophets and crucify the Christ. I am not saying that we stop loving and switch to combating unbelievers. Hope for "yay!" and brace yourself for "crucify him".
I teach social psychology and in our session on altruism, I ask how many students have been waiters. And then ask those, “what groups do you look forward to serving?” It’s never Christians at Sunday lunch after church. Our text always mentions that people who drink tend to be more generous. So, I remind them of Ephesians 5:18. “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.” And preach to them that as Christians we should be the groups that light up the faces of waiters. We should be known for our kindness and generosity. (Been preaching/teaching this for 30+ years and hope some have listened.)
That has become my litmus test for teaching that I hear/read - is it Good News? Does it make sense as something that’s good, freeing, beautiful, true, etc? That helps me cut through a lot of the online arguments that go on...!
I agree with every word of this. Some of my evangelical friends constantly remind that we should be telling people about Jesus. I always argue that if we show people Jesus, then they'll eventually ask about him.
That can and does happen. But sometimes they kill the prophets and crucify the Christ. I am not saying that we stop loving and switch to combating unbelievers. Hope for "yay!" and brace yourself for "crucify him".
Amen!