I was skimming CNN recently and happened across an article about Miley Cyrus and her performance at the Video Music Awards. Cyrus stated that she was glad her performance had made history. She had accomplished her goal, moved on and couldn’t understand why the rest of us couldn’t.
Many desire fame and fortune so seriously that they have no problem bartering their reputation. What some would never consider, others do without blinking an eye.
As I read the article about the girl young enough to be my daughter, a part of me wanted to condemn her.
However, I recall being her age. I remember walking a broken road without the guidance needed to make wise decisions. And let’s face it; pointing out the reckless decisions of others is easy until you start remembering some of your own.
We’re all leaving a legacy. With each path we make, either at a full throttle or a mindless meander, we’re leaving our mark on this world and building the way others choose to remember us.
While reading Cyrus’ article, I couldn’t help but think of those hard workers in Genesis 11.
Worn out, tired and sweating, they just wanted to make a name for themselves. They wanted to be known for doing something grand. Yet, their efforts were in vain.
How many of us are wasting precious time building grand towers of pride, wealth, and prestige? I’ve built a few of my own.
But what if children of God made history by the way we embraced the unlovable?
What if we walked with the broken in their hour of need in such a way that the world stopped and took notice?
What if we spoke such beautiful words of light that the darkness feared our presence?
What if our forgiveness made the news?
What if we finally realized that putting our trust in an earthly kingdom breeds hostility but trusting in God’s Kingdom breeds hope?
What if the church on the pew left the safe confines of the building and took over the streets?
What if we gave Miley Cyrus and every young girl like her a soft place to fall and were willing to pick her up, love her, and walk her to Jesus?
What if we weren’t the first to condemn, but the first to console? We could definitely change the way history is made.
So I challenge you, church, be the first to respond to broken souls with prayer and grace. Show the lost that you care and that they are loved. Tell them about your Savior and how he changes lives.
Let his past continue to make history in the lives of those around you. Refuse to build your legacy with the tools of this world and use faith, hope, and love instead.
by Paula Harrington @ www.forthright.net