24June2014 Lullabies & Preaching

It started out as a discussion about the World Cup.  Many great conversations start out about futbol/soccer.  Somehow we went from Ronaldo to religion.   One of my friends is a recent arrival from Darfour.  The other came several years ago from South Sudan (before there was a South Sudan).  One follows Islam, the other a Christian.  They are a study in opposites except for very dark complexions and a love for soccer....and a friendship born of shared struggles and shared experience.

I was asked, "Are you Muslim?"  I get that alot.  Maybe because I speak some Arabic or because of the beard or because of the five children (apparently there's a rule somewhere against Americans having a bunch of youngins').  My standard rely is, "No, but I love Muslims."  This provoked the usual smile and nod.  Although I knew the answer I followed up, "Are you two?"  One responded in the affirmative, the other emphatically said, "No, I'm a Christian!"  "Where do you pray?" I asked.  He shook his head, "I don't pray, I don't go to Church but I am a Christian.  Before I could say anything his buddy put his hand on his hand and said, "If you say you are a Christian, you should live like a Christian!  You party and chase the girls but you don't live right."  Bam!  Right in the kisser. 

There's a Persian proverb that translates roughly, "If you can sing a lullaby, why can't you put yourself to sleep?  Basically it means, "Practice what you preach, dude!"  That's precisely what my friend was telling his cohort.  If you claim to be a believer then live it.  Oh how that smacks me square in the face!  How often do I profess something with my mouth that's in stark contrast to my actions?  How often do the scores of people from around the globe that I interact with see Jesus through me?  I know how to lullaby but I have a tough time sleeping.  

God help me to practice what I preach.  May the Muslims and Hindus and Buddhists and Methodists and atheists I talk to daily see You in me. Please forgive my failures.  You know me.  Even on my best of days I am bankrupt without Your Spirit.  Create a clean heart in me, renew a right spirit in me and help me to live that's changed!