Nothing More…
“To be humble, to be kind.
It is the giving of the peace in your mind.
To a stranger, to a friend
To give in such a way that has no end.
We are Love
We are One
We are how we treat each other when the day is done.
We are peace
We are war
We are how we treat each other and Nothing More.”
These are the beginning lyrics of the song, Nothing More, sung by The Alternative Routes, an American band formed in 2005. Their song captures the essence of what I believe to be the essence of who Christ was and what his followers are to be in this world, as well. With love and peace and kindness and humility, a whole new way to live, we will treat our fellow human beings, no matter the superficial differences, the same. The proof is in our attitudes, in our actions—towards everyone–are we kind and loving and peaceful and humble? This was the great transforming message of Jesus’s life and teaching.
“To be bold, to be brave
It is the thinking that the heart can still be saved
And the darkness can come quick
The Dangers in the Anger and the hanging on to it.”
The heart can still be saved! The core of us can be healed. We can be bold and brave in standing up for the unsung, the denied, the outsider, the poor, the rest of humankind. Darkness and anger is the danger that would draw us back to the world’s ways to unkindness, to arrogance, to war. We are how we treat each other when the day is done.
“Tell me what it is that you see
A world that’s filled with endless possibilities?
Heroes don’t look they used to,
They look like you do.”
Heroes look like we do. If we’re solidly in God’s camp, we will step up to the challenge of a different kind of life for everyone. Of equality for all, not just some—in jobs, in opportunities, good health, a productive life. We who don’t look like heroes can still be bold and brave and respond to the needs of others, to treat them like they all belong in God’s kingdom.
“ We are Love
We are One
We are how we treat each other when the day is done.
We are Peace
We are War
We are how we treat each other and Nothing More.”
So are we going to be peace or war, expansive or defensive, holy or worldly? Will we step out in love and peace and kindness and humility? Or in anger, defensiveness and selfishness? It is our choice how we are going to be. And how the world will be with us. And how God will be on our side or not.
When the stakes are as high as they are right now in our country, our choices become even more important. And it’s not just the voting this November, but how we are to be in this world. Are we really going to be God’s servants here, living His agenda, for His people, with all of who we are? Or will we continue to serve ourselves and neglect God’s will?
An afterthought: The phrase, “Nothing more” suggests to me that we have all that need for what we are called to do in this world. It further suggests gratitude for all that we do have, all the blessings and grace the Lord showers on us. Amen!
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Questions to ponder over the week: Have I gone as deeply into Christ’s mind as I could? Will I dedicate myself to the deepest relationship with Christ? Will I be recognized as a follower of Jesus? Am I growing every day in my love for Jesus and in exchanging His world view for mine? What have I left by the wayside as I traveled with Him? What more is there to release, to be, to do? (Just ponder the questions that call you.)
Blessing for the week: May we be the people of God who are humble and kind, filled with peace and love. May we treat each other as Jesus treated the people He met. May we be bold an brave in carrying out our purpose on this earth.
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I am collecting conversion stories. I would love it if you would share yours. I’m not sure how they will be used—in my blog or in a book, but I would only use your initials, not your name, if you choose to participate.