What does it mean to be a follower of Christ? Does it mean quitting your job and moving to Africa to preach, vaccinate, and build things? Does it mean joining the clergy? What about being on a church council? Does it mean changing our routine, the way we think, talk, and walk? All of it? None of it? I still haven’t worked it all out for myself (it is a journey after all), however, I think that those big life changing things are good and great for those that are called to it, but what about those who aren’t? Not everyone is made a missionary, and not everyone a pastor, so what about the rest of us? I don’t have the gift to reach someone with powerful words, and I can’t vaccinate the world because the thought of a needle makes me want to run, I am a very ‘normal’ person. I will probably have a very ‘normal’ vocation, like in an office somewhere. So if I’m not in a position of leadership in the church or community, how am I known as a follower of Christ?
One of our students, Amy Fabel, recently sent an email out about random acts of kindness dares. I dare you to give up a parking spot, I dare you to give someone a hug, I dare you to smile at a stranger, and on the list goes. Random acts of kindness… I think that Jesus talked a bit about kindness and loving people? Maybe? I think that often we get so tied up in our lives, our mess, our happiness, that we forget that we need to be projecting the love we’ve received out to others. Maybe that random person you give a parking space to at is having the worst. week. ever. They’re broke, they’re having a bad hair day, their cat died, the ac went out in their car, and they are running late to their chem test, and then suddenly a very nice stranger gives them a spot close to their class. I bet they would think that you were a saint. I’ve had those days, I bet you have too. Little acts of kindness can go so far to a person who’s having a no good very bad day. What a great way to let people know that though you aren’t in a pulpit you do believe in something good, something life changing, something that would keep the road rage at bay, and give you the heart to do something kind for another person.
I’m not saying that this is all it takes to be a follower of Christ. It is certainly a bit more challenging than that, but it’s a start isn’t it? So the next time you see a stranger, I double dare you to show them love and kindness in a small or big way!
Peace and Blessings Erica Oliveira
