We need to present the “real” Jesus to the world to the world …. Jesus, who is concerned about the needs of the poor. Our witness is not just about leading others to a saving faith in God, but in having a witness of a God of justice and compassion. Every human being is created in the image of God and deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. How much more integrity our message of the good news would have if we modelled our lives and ministries on the early church as described in the book of Acts 2:42 -47.

• 42. All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s supper), and to prayer.

• 43. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders.

• 44. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had.

• 45. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.

• 46. They worshipped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity

• 47. All the while, praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

Mother Theresa became world-famous because she allowed the love of Jesus to manifest itself in a radical concern for the poor. She was a witness to the world and an excellent example for us to follow. She could have used any number of excuses (being a woman, a Christian, poor herself, a foreigner who did not speak the language) to give up.

What is your excuse?

My prayer is that God will give us the courage to stand up for what we believe. To relentlessly seek justice for the poor and to do our part in re-creating the world as God has designed it to be. I am reminded that the signs of the Kingdom of God are the lion, the Lamb, the dove… but never the chameleon.