Finishing the work that we have started (2 Corinthians 8:10) with a Clarence Jordan insight.

SCRIPTURE: 2 Corinthians 8:10 (TM)

So here's what I think: The best thing you can do right now is to finish what you started last year and not let those good intentions grow stale.

STORY:

Michael Jinkins shares this story: Clarence Jordan, author of the "Cotton Patch" New Testament translation and founder of the interracial Koinonia farm in Americus, Georgia, was getting a red-carpet tour of another minister's church. With pride the minister pointed to the rich, imported pews and luxurious decoration. As they stepped outside, darkness was falling, and a spotlight shone on a huge cross atop the steeple. "That cross alone cost us ten thousand dollars," the minister said with a satisfied smile. "You got cheated," said Jordan. "Times were when Christians could get them for free."  

OBSERVATION:

For the last couple of days we have been in a situation where we crushed by humanity from all over the world. Humanity comes in many shapes and styles, speaking many languages, dealing with frustrations as well as the growing tiredness in body and spirit. The thought did come to mind about the unrealized potential housed within the thousands upon thousands of people who paraded before my eyes … and the Lord shared: “Do what you can.”

In speaking with a young female from China here in the states for 3 months I asked: “What was your biggest surprise?” Her response was: “How friendly everybody was even to total strangers.” A young woman from Thailand I got this response: “The power of your language.” … Do what you can.

Combining the reality that the world is being brought to our front door with our friendliness and the power of our language to communicate we should seize the opportunity to finish the good work that is before us … to be a blessing to the world in the name of God.

That opportunity has been given to other nations, but that failed. History tells us that turned the blessing inward and began to see themselves as special and great. We have done the same thing and are failing the purpose to which we have been called.

A t-shirt disturbed me. It read: “God bless the good guys!” I wanted to ask the meaning behind the message, but the opportunity never availed itself. I do believe that it sums up our mentality. God bless us … God bless our country … God bless (fill in the blank as you wish). Instead shouldn’t our prayers be: God make us a blessing? Shouldn’t it be: God finish the work that you started in us before it becomes totally stale?

PRAYER:

God, keep us from ignoring the opportunity that is right before our eyes to be who and what you have designed us, personally and nationally. The opportunity is there, help us to finish the work that you have started in us.