Not just for believers

Do you think Jesus did what he did just for those who believed in him? At the time of the crucifixion, he had a very small group of followers.  Doesn’t it seem more likely that he taught and healed and rose from the dead for all mankind?  Whether they call themselves Christian or not?

The likelihood that any one of us will ever have to go through what Jesus did in the crucifixion is extremely small.  But that doesn’t mean we can’t learn from him about humility and resolve – and tremendous affection for our fellow man.  It is practical Christianity to live in keeping with the powerful example he set. Yet, those qualities can be found in every corner of the globe, even in those who’ve never heard of Jesus.

Perhaps then, it’s not about the man himself, but the Christ he represented and demonstrated. Jesus was indeed unique, and there will never be another like him.  But it is the Christ, Immanuel – God with us – that is in fact universal and impartial, and is the basis of the relationship between God and His dear creation.  That relationship is as solid and enduring as the Christ is, and has nothing to do with religion.

Jesus’ prayer was so big and so inclusive that it still touches us today. (See John 17: 20,21)  It makes no boundaries as to doctrine or sect but simply yearns that we all be one, one in the biggest idea of all: the Love of God.

Jesus knew that Love intimately and shared it with anyone who would listen.  His healing work – raising the dead, transforming sinners, destroying disease – was a direct result of his understanding of the consistent and truly loving nature of God.  And he taught his followers that they could count on that same nature in their healing work.  And we can count on it in our healing work.

Neither God nor Christ has changed since that time, although the man Jesus has left the scene.  And we certainly can use Jesus as a model for Christian behavior.  But the power of the Christ touches lives everywhere now as before, instilling goodness, lifting from despair, overcoming tragedy, and healing simply as an expression of God’s love for creation – all creation.

That prayer of oneness is still valid today, regardless of any of the conditions that define us – and seem to separate us.  Let’s expect that prayer to soften our hearts, enable us to set aside our differences, find common ground, and a reason to love one another.

You don’t have to be a believer to do that!

Melissa Hayden is a Christian Science practitioner in Salem, OR. You can find more information and additional articles at this link.  If you like what you’re reading, click the “add me” button.

The Evangelism of Letting Your Light Shine

“Evangelism” comes from a Greek word that basically means good news.  Although the early writers of the Gospels were considered to be the first evangelists, doesn’t it make sense that Jesus himself was the original evangel?  His message of hope, health, and harmony was not to gain him ratings or income, but to make the point that the Kingdom of God is here and now – within you.

Evangelists today come in all forms: TV, pulpit, talk radio, street corners.  But the best kind of evangelism is the one Jesus himself recommended in the Sermon on the Mount.  He said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”  (Matt 5:16)

That’s it.  Just live your life in such a way that it illuminates the good news of God.

Melissa Hayden is a Christian Science practitioner in Salem, OR. You can find more information and additional articles at this link.  If you like what you’re reading, click the “add me” button.

Two Miles

Most of the time when I go to the grocery store and I ask where something is, they just point or give an aisle number.  At a little more upscale – and more expensive – store where I occasionally shop, they actually stop what they’re doing and take me to the item itself.  That’s sort of like Jesus’ comment in the Sermon on the Mount, “whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.”  (See Matthew chapters 5 to 7)  I like the little bit of extra service – and they really seem to be happy to do!

That’s gotten me to thinking about my own level of “customer service” to people I come in contact with, either strangers or those with whom I’m familiar.  Maybe especially those with whom I’m familiar.  Sometimes it’s easy to not work so hard.  I guess that’s the issue; thinking that going the extra mile is hard work!

Mary Baker Eddy, the Founder of the denomination to which I belong (Christian Science for those of you new to my blog) once said, “True prayer is not asking God for love; it is learning to love, and to include all mankind in one affection.”  (See No & Yes, page 39)  Learning to love AND including all mankind.  Isn’t that the ultimate customer service?

So really, it doesn’t matter who asks me to go a mile, or maybe even why.  It’s learning to love doing it, as a very natural expression of Him who loved me first (see 1 John 4:19).   What can it hurt to make sure we all get there together!

Melissa Hayden is a Christian Science practitioner in Salem, OR. You can find more information and additional articles at this link.  If you like what you’re reading, click the “add me” button.