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The ability to act as Jesus acts is not something that belongs exclusively to ordained clergy or ‘holy” people, but is something we all have by the simple virtue of being human and having God’s life breathed into us. These are the hopeful words of author Sara Miles in her ThinkFWD interview with Spencer Burke.
Sara’s recent book, Jesus Freak, is based on her belief that ordinary people are “authorized and empowered to do Jesus’ work of feeding, healing and raising the dead.” The Spirit moves through all people in every time and place, says Sarah, and the term “saints” refers to all of God’s holy people. Whether working in a food pantry, at the office, or conversing with friends—we are about God’s work.
Sara is the director of the Food Pantry at St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church in San Francisco. Each week the food pantry is set up in the center of the church and over 600 families in need gather to receive food. “It’s like a farmer’s market in heaven,” laughs Sara. “We are gathered around an altar and surrounded by saints. Everything is free and everyone is welcome.” In keeping with the “we’re all saints doing God’s work” philosophy, the Food Pantry is run by volunteers, many of whom came to get food, and stayed to help out.
Why is it that people feel like they cannot serve, or that saints are better than they are? Sometimes the habits of the Church can discourage people. The thought prevails that church is where you go to get clean, and you have to get clean before you can serve God. But Sara suggests that Jesus didn’t pick perfect people in his disciples. Just like them, we don’t have to wait to become perfect—just throw ourselves into service, and get new life by giving our lives away.
Personal Reflections:
Do you agree that ordinary people are authorized to do the work of Jesus?
Do you feel like you have to “get clean” before you can join in?
Small Group or Staff Questions:
What keeps us from “grabbing the crazy guy” and doing the work of Jesus?
How can we interpret scripture through our actions?
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July 31st, 2010 at 7:18 pm
Do I have to mention that Muslims as “saints” is heretical?
Do I have to mention that open lesbian homosexuality is far from Biblically sponsored choices and is in open rebellion to God’s laws for our lives?
August 1st, 2010 at 8:21 pm
The bible teaches the following:
1. Be holy as I am holy- 1 Peter.1:16
2. God’s election- John.13:18/15:16,19
3. Many-Not all-Romans.5:19
4. Without holiness- Hebrews.12:14
God will not use the ordinary man, if sin is part of their way of living. This would contradict all he taught. Holiness is what identifies a workman of the Lord’s. Jesus taught, “unless your righteousnes exceeds that of the pharisees, you will indeed die in your sins. The truth is, God has called us to something much greater than service to others, he has called us to be holy- this will produce the works he has called us to do.