Carolyn Arends recalls going with her husband Mark, a public high school counselor, on a humanitarian trip to Mexico. 

“Mark was careful to explain that the students participating were unchurched; should there be even a whiff of proselytizing, parents — and the school board — would feel betrayed.”

I won’t spoil the story for you, but Carolyn discovered that expressions of worship and prayer — when heartfelt and authentic — have the power to draw non-Christians to Jesus rather than repel. 

Jesus himself was a magnet for sinners. What did they see in his actions, hear in his words, feel from his eyes? Mercy. Tenderness. Love. Compassion. Someone who wanted to be with them.

On Tuesday’s webinar, Trevor Hudson shared about seeing a neighbor moving bricks in his driveway. Being Trevor’s only day off, he hoped the neighbor would decline his polite offer to help. Instead, Trevor went home four hours and many bricks later. That Sunday the neighbor attended Trevor’s church and went on to become a disciple of Jesus. 

Trevor wasn’t trying to get him to church or ​“seal the deal” of his salvation. He simply responded to the invitation the Holy Spirit (and the encouragement of his wife!) to show tangible love to a neighbor. 

So, Father, open our eyes once again to the beauty of the good news that is Jesus. Then show us how to worship and love in ways that draw people to you.