RESPONDblog: Locking Eyes With People – and Seeing Christ

By Stuart_gray @stuartg__uk

I am part of a small group of people who run a toddler group for Dad’s at Kingfisher Church in Tredworth, Gloucester. The group is called Dad’s Only – cos our demographic is Dads and Granddads who are keen to take their little ones somewhere fun and not too expensive on Saturday mornings.  I was there last weekend, and one of the regulars was chatting to me about his week. And do you know what that guy said to me? He said, “these mornings are the highlight of my week.”

This comment reminded me of a text I received earlier that week. It was from one of the Dads who have not been to the group for quite a while. His family situation changed last year – and as a result – time with his girls has become limited. Yet his text basically said – I miss Dads Only! I’m working out a way to juggle my schedule so I can bring my girls back!

And I look at the small group of folks who lead this group and make it happen – their hard work and commitment. The gentle care and the time that is generously given to everyone who arrives there each week. And I am reminded of something that Mother Theresa once said.

I believe in person to person contact. Every person is Christ for me and since there is only one Jesus, the person I am meeting is the one person in the world at that moment. I see Christ in every person I touch, it is as simple as that.

   — Mother Theresa

And then I look at the impact that Kingfisher Church is making on the lives of people, of families in the UK, Africa and India. And I think that it might be because of the high value we place on the smallest soul. The least important person in society’s eyes – represents Christ himself to our eyes  – it’s as simple as that. And guess what – when we treat people with dignity and respect, when we honor them and selflessly serve them – it feels good. For them. And ironically – also for us too.

And many will quickly point out – there are many caring organizations that have been setup by atheists – that are free from religion or tricky God talk. And my response is – that’s great! But you know – God talk doesn’t need to be tricky. What’s more – the Christian church isn’t here out of some kind of duty that requires us to care for you. Why is the Christian Church active on planet earth today? What makes it different to any other human organisation?

The Church is here to recognize the evidence of the Creator within you –

  • to point it out to you (however hard, or cynical or crushed we have become),
  • to call it out of you,
  • to honor and encourage you as we live in the light of it

After all – it’s what Jesus Himself has called us to:

I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters,[f] you were doing it to me!

– Mathew 25:40, The Message