WWJD?
Just three months ago, my husband Ken and I were blessed to go on a short term mission trip to Madrid, Spain to work with Dan and Eva Anderson at the Friendship House. They have established this community center to assist people in their neighborhood, a mixture of native Spaniards and Muslims, particularly the Moroccans in the neighborhood. Their goal is to live life with them so they can demonstrate Christ’s love to them, first by example, then with words. Sound familiar?
After living with the Andersons for two weeks, I came back awed at seeing such sacrificial love demonstrated in their lives! I watched as Eva opened the center for the neighborhood women in the morning for such things as English classes, craft sessions, and aerobics classes. These things acted as a “mixer” for the different people groups. One day, after four hours of these different activities as well as cleaning the floors and bathrooms, we were more than ready to take time for the 2pm dinner. Eva was preparing to go home to fix dinner for her family and continue her normal day tutoring children until 8pm. In the door walked a Muslim woman who Eva greeted warmly. The woman asked if Eva had some time to talk and Eva’s response was to sit down right across from her on the couch and give her full attention and time! At which point I found myself asking, “What would my response have been?” Would I have pulled up a chair with a smile on my face, like I didn’t have a care in the world? No time restraints? Or would I have excused myself and rescheduled at a more convenient time?
Dan also had this pattern in his life. He sold a car to a Muslim man, who, after the purchase, innocently put diesel gas into it and completely fouled the motor. He called Dan and asked for advice. Dan actively participated in getting the car back to running, even though it was not really his problem anymore. We also saw him take time to speak to anyone on the street who approached him. Both of these examples could be called nothing less than sacrificial!
We saw Jesus in action in both of these cases specifically and in every action of the Anderson’s lives! I am reminded of the pressing crowds Jesus experienced every day of His ministry. Imagine people clamoring to get close to Him, to talk with Him, or even just to touch Him! He did take time alone whenever possible to reconnect with His Father, but I doubt He ever rescheduled a meeting because He was too busy or His schedule too full. I frequently get so wrapped up in my busy little life that I now ask myself, “Am I willing to change my day to meet the needs of others?”
We have many people in our own congregation who live this way. They are never too busy to help, talk or pray. They are first to volunteer when there’s a need, large or small…even taking down Christmas decorations! (A totally thankless job!) Going back to an old, but applicable saying, “What would Jesus do?” is so helpful in helping set my priorities straight! After seeing sacrificial love in action, I think I’m ready to put on that old WWJD bracelet again!