Welcome to My World

April 12, 2019

We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God’s Good News but our own lives, too. 1 Thessalonians 2:8

I remember when my husband and I began graduate school. We were in a brand-new environment, away from our family, and feeling a little intimidated. Everyone seemed so intelligent and we didn’t know anyone. We lived in the school community during the week, and drove two hours to Cincinnati on the weekends to pastor a small inner-city church. One professor was a favorite of ours; his classes were so informative and inspiring! But we only knew him professionally. Because we were gone on the weekends, there were few social events we could attend, and we couldn’t worship in a congregation there, so we really felt like outsiders even though we had positive feelings toward everyone.

One Saturday afternoon we were working hard in our Cincinnati community when we got a surprise phone call. It was from professor Dr. Donald Joy. We couldn’t imagine how he even found us, but he announced they were only about a half hour from our church and wondered if they could take us to dinner. Thrilled? That doesn’t describe it. What a wonderful evening we had! Then, as they left, after some wonderful conversation at our little apartment, Dr. Joy invited us to come to Monday evening hangouts at their house each week, and bring our questions and input. There was no agenda; just sharing our lives with them and others. We could hardly believe the invitation.

Over the three years we were in grad school our lives were so enriched and transformed by this relationship. Can you guess which professor had the most lasting impact on us? Dr. Joy influenced the way we believed, handled our marriage, our parenting, and our ministry to this very day. Why? Because he didn’t just teach, He shared his life with us.

That’s the way the apostle Paul handled the ministry God gave him. He didn’t just preach. He didn’t say, “Do as I say, not as I do.” He shared his life, up close and personal. God was able to use that to make the message stick and spread. And that’s why we are here. Think of what God can do with you as you welcome people into your world!

• What can you do today to share not only the good news but your life with someone?