What’s Your Story?
“Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. ”
I bet that the next time we see each other in person or perhaps online, you’ll have a great story to share. Some light and funny; right now, my stories would be about why I'm wearing different glasses or no glasses. Some would be more serious – like the conflict between my daughter and her former roommate. Some would be incredibly moving and emotional – like the ways I’ve seen love poured out in recent weeks as lives ended and were celebrated. We all have stories. We all have our critical foundational stories. Stories that always make us smile, no matter how often we tell them. We are constantly experiencing new moments that give us new stories as we walk this journey of life.
This August we’re doing a sermon series entitled I Love to Tell the Story. Sharing the story of what Christ has done for us is critical in the life of the church. As badly as people need hope, encouragement, and joy, most people aren't looking to hear sermons or deep theological lessons. People who do not know Jesus are much more motivated to come to Christ by hearing the difference He makes in a life, in other words, your story.
Stories also encourage and edify the faithful. If you've been part of our church for the last few years, you’ve heard powerful stories during sermon series. Hearing from our brothers and sisters has been powerful and profound. There have been dramatic stories of conversion, showing how God took people from places of complete disbelief to an intimate, passionate love for Jesus. People have shared stories of healing, overcoming, and discovering. God continues to move in amazing ways every day, all around us, in people we know and trust. What a gift it is to hear such stories!
How comfortable are you with your story? We all lament that there are so many around us who don't share what we've come to know. How have we shared the story of what Jesus is doing, not only in the world generally but also with us personally? Sharing our story isn't guaranteed to make a difference for others. However, consider the significance it might make for just one who hears it. They may not be ready to fully commit their heart to Christ, but what if their response is as simple as tell me more. Wouldn’t that be powerful?
The scripture above tells us to always be ready to give an account for the hope we have. Are you ready? Could you tell someone the story of why you carry such hope in your heart? My prayer is that we all not only become comfortable with our stories but, as the old hymn says, we would “love to tell the story of Jesus and His love.” This is what the world is longing to hear. May we respond with our stories of His love and hope as quickly as we share our stories of everything else.
Pastor Scott
