Something that sparked some thought today in Church was when the Pastor brought up the idea of a reporter and the soldier. Reporters dressing as soldiers, while not actually being a soldier and just being there to tell about it, while the soldier is there doing the actual thing and then sharing about it.
I know what you might be thinking, that's confusing, but stay with me.
The difference between said reporter and the soldier is that the reporters are just there to talk about it and not partake in the actual duties the soldiers are there to do, and they're the ones to pay close attention to for they are the ones doing the thing and have that experience.
This intrigued me because, this is such a common thing I see going on nowadays. It's one thing to go to something and "report" about it, but not really taking it all in on an emotional and personal level. Then you have the "soldiers" who are there and they are all in, both emotionally and physically. They're the ones that when they go around and share their experiences, it has more of an effect, because you are getting much more of what they have to say rather than just a "report" of what went on and the outcome.
For me, in the beginning, I would have without a doubt have categorized myself as a reporter. Every Sunday, for the first month and half, I just showed up to Church, payed attention and took in all the information I could grasp, then I would leave immediately after without really talking to anyone. I was just there and rarely talked about what was said in the service, and I wasn't involved with those in the Church community. Now, I am becoming more of a soldier as the weeks go on in this journey of mine. I am just as eager to get to Church every Sunday, but this time I am not jetting off as soon as the service ends. I am starting to get more involved with Cru on Thursdays, Sunday school immediately after first service and just surrounding myself with those I can share the love and passion of Christ with - which is such an amazing feeling to have. I am then able to share God's amazing work He has started in my life through the experiences I have been able to have thanks to Him.
2 Corinthians 5:20
"We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf. Be reconciled to God."
So which is it, are you the reporter or are you the soldier in whatever it is you partake in? It's one thing to just go to something not emotionally and physically devoted to, but another thing to partake in it, both emotionally and physically, and experiencing it all to then potentially share about it.
- B
Well said, Soldier!