So then, while we have
opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the
household of the faith. Galatians 6:10
When Paul penned those words, the Roman Empire was unsympathetic to
Christianity. The predominant form of religion was some expression of idolatry.
A common thing binding most idolatrous religions was a polytheistic thrust. Most
forms of idolatry did not care how many gods a person worshipped. Worship of one
idol did not exclude other idols. Thus doing good to “all men” included
kindness, thoughtfulness, and helpfulness to people who worshipped idols. One
principle of faith in Jesus Christ was defeating evil by doing good instead of
by vengeance (Romans 12:17-21).
Christians were strange! The Roman Empire valued force! Defeat enemies by using
force! The surrender of a defeated enemy was a wonderful thing! Doing good
sought a willful cooperation; defeat sought an unwilling subjugation.
Christians were weird! Christians—slave or wealthy—regarded all who believed in
Jesus as family! All believers were God’s family! Love motivated them to care
for each other and those who did not believe. They threatened no one. One who
included himself or herself in their ranks did so by personal choice. Anyone
could belong. All, regardless of background, could be one of them. Though they
believed in one God, they were kind to those who believed in many gods. Their
morality was the weirdest known in that world!
Last Sunday was “Blue Jeans Sunday.” All colors of denim in all forms were
worn—skirts, jeans, overalls, and jackets. The objective: to emphasize the
biblical connection between worship and service. Between 200 and 250 served that
afternoon. Cards were written, vans cleaned, linens at CURE folded, toys
prepared for give away, quilts for earthquake victims in China made, and over
700 pairs of jeans collected for and delivered to the Hope Chest. There was a
campus prayer walk, the yard of the new Lion’s for Christ home received massive
help, and equipment manned—chains saws, a chipper, and a tractor with sweaty
people dragging brush. When the day ended in a fellowship meal, the FULL price
of the new property was given. God was honored, people were served, and we felt
His life in us. We worked and gave to benefit people we have yet to meet! Young
and old, different races, men and women worked side by side. We all were just
Christians! God was glorified as we rediscovered the joys of Christian service.
David Chadwell
Link to other Writings of David Chadwell