[This reflection was published in the weekly news bulletin of Horley Baptist Church, 21/November/2021]
We have probably all heard the phrase “less is more”. We use it in a variety of contexts, and if you Google it, though the use of the phrase is shown in many different examples, the meaning remains the same. ‘“Less is more” suggests that there is value in simplicity, and that more can be accomplished with less’ (Google).
During the pandemic lockdowns many of us realised, once enforced to live a slower pace of life, that there is something to be said for not being able to go here, there and everywhere, or for no longer filling our days with activities that leave no time to breathe, stop, reflect, be. The “less” that we reluctantly embraced became “more” in so many ways to people all around the world. Personally, I felt closer to God, as there were less things pulling me in different directions. But more than that God showed me that, what might seem “less” in terms of mission and discipleship, can actually be more. He impressed on my heart these words: “Just focus on the one I put in front of you”. It was such a simple thing, but it resonated very much – it felt right. So now, I ask God to show me if someone I encounter needs a comforting touch, a word, a prayer, or just someone to listen and show that they care.
These quotes from missionary Heidi Baker describe how God showed her the same thing…
“Sometimes we cannot see and don’t want to see because we are blinded. We need eye salve to put on our eyes. We cry out for revival, and yet God says, “I want to open your eyes so you can see what is before you. Revival has a face and a name. It lies bleeding on the roadside.” If we want to see revival, we need to begin with the one in front of us.”
“The very next Monday, I found myself lying facedown on a grass mat with the mother of one of the little girls who had died. I lay down with this woman and wept with her, holding her in my arms. It was then God said to me, “Heidi, it’s about love. It’s not always about victory.” Our whole life cannot be about victory and glory, but it must be about love. Love is patient and kind and long-suffering. God’s love is the kind of love that is extravagant, bottomless, ceaseless and endless. That’s what you need when you are on the floor holding a grieving mother.”
Heidi Baker also said: “We have not understood that the gospel is as simple as this: love, love, love, love, love.”
Who might God be putting in front of you today?
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Contributed by Lesley Edwards; © the Author
