Toolbox For Faith

In his book Outlive Your Life, Max Lucado proposes that as children of God we are called to reach beyond ourselves and share God’s compassion and love with the world. He provides a helpful theological framework and a scriptural foundation for this assertion using the book of Acts and draws connections to real world ways in which people are living out their faith. Lucado explores the areas of need that exist in the world and the impact that one individual or a faith community can make in the world. His book is a call to let the light of Christ shine in the world. He challenges people of faith to view their neighbor through glasses tinted with compassion and the love of Christ and he makes it clear that in his mind “the sign of the saved is their concern for those in need. Compassion does not save them — or us. Salvation is the work of Christ. Compassion is the consequence of salvation”(pg. 169).

Since sharing compassion is a core element of our ministry, I am going to pull together a few of my favorite excerpts from the book and give them to our congregational leadership. I think Outlive Your Life will provide helpful language for us to continue our discussion of the ways in which our service is a response to God’s love. If you are interested in the connection between faith and service, then I think you will find Outlive Your Life to be a helpful addition to your toolbox.