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Writings of David Chadwell Isaiah 5:20, Woe to those who call evil
good, and good evil; Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness;
Who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!
What is our greatest Christian influence in life? Words of condemnation or
encouragement? Achievements? What we do for others? How we lead? How we follow?
Our children? The money or property we acquire? Our lifestyle? Our death? How
often we go to church? What we do for the church? Or something else?
On two occasions last week I heard the same statement in two situations. First,
the statement was made regarding a couple as tribute to the way their lives
served others. The second was from people attending a funeral regarding the lady
who died.
The statement: “They are/were good people.” This was made in regard to the
couple and to the deceased lady and her husband [who preceded her in death]. In
both instances, it was made by people whose lives were beneficially touched.
A striking reality I frequently encounter is this: people do not know how to
live. Much of my life is spent sharing realities about life’s focus. As our
culture ‘advances,’ people’s challenges and problems become more [not less!]
complex.
Two things astound me. First: numerous persons have little or no idea that
choices and decisions produce consequences. Careless, thoughtless choices and
decisions commonly produce bad consequences. It is astounding to witness how
often people are shocked because choices or decisions made with little thought
produce devastating consequences in their lives.
Second: people have a poor concept of God. With no disrespect intended, often
people’s concept of God is the concept of an idol. He is what they make Him.
They are definite about what He is and what He is not. They are certain about
what He does and does not like. They are convicted about what He will and will
not do for them [though most emphasis is on the ‘will’].
As a result, in each situation, God is commonly the ‘scapegoat’ when something
occurs they do not like. With strong conviction, they ‘know’ the bad happening
is God’s fault!
`My life is spent as a preacher and writer. Obviously, I believe in the power of
words. I have not lost confidence in the power of words [or I would not be
writing this!].
Yet, I am convinced something is more powerful than words. A life well lived in
faith is more powerful than words. I am not speaking of success centered, or
pleasure centered, or fun filled, or wealth filled life. I speak of life well
lived—a life that treats even an enemy with respect and kindness, that treats
all with compassion, that draws his/her values and standards from God and lives
by them, that understands faith is a 24/7 commitment, that understands Christ is
reflected by service rather than control.
Only those who know how to live by faith know how to die by faith. These
Christians teach people how to live! What do people learn about living from your
life?
Link to other
Writings of David Chadwell