Dirty Hands

I had to give a speech last May as a "graduating senior" (though already graduated), to my friends sharing what I had learned while in college. This is what God laid on my heart and I wanted to share it here.

*No, I will probably not post again until sometime next year. :P

Dirty Hands

One of the hardest, most uncomfortable, and satisfying lessons I have been learning through my time in college is to not be afraid of getting my hands dirty. What I mean by that is I naturally want my life to look put together and moving along smoothly. But that is not what a normal Christian life should look like according to the following two scriptures.

             Galatians 6:1-2

                        Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a sprit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

             

              Hebrews 10:24-25

                        And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

            Galatians 6 commands Christians to put aside their pride and ideal image to minister to fellow believers who are struggling in sin. This command was not for the pastors of the church, but for the body of believers to follow. I, as a college student or new accountant, am to enter in to uncomfortable situations where other people will probably question my character in order to restore my friend back to the correct way of living. Whether my friend is addicted to drugs, relationship with guys/girls, pornography, etc., I should be there to help them in love.

            But also, Hebrews 10 commands Christians to meet together regularly and to encourage one another. This does not sound as hard as long as everyone’s life is going smoothly. But that is not always the case. When I first started coming to RUF, I did not really want to come at all. My home life was a train wreck and I was okay not meeting anybody new who might cause me more pain. My friend spent hours upon hours listening to me talk through my issues, but she did not stop there. She did not let me reside in my sorrow and self-pity.  She encouraged/ dragged me to RUF. She reminded me of God’s power and love. She showed me the love of a friend. A love that is caring, but also a love that is not going to let a friend stay sin. She encouraged me not to forget the blessings I had. Basically she would not let me be pessimistic, which is exactly what I needed. Because no one likes to be optimistic when they have been hurt. And overtime, I overcame my sorrow and our relationship was stronger because of those experiences.

            Being this type of friend is very costly. It cost a lot of pain. It cost a lot of time. It cost a lot of patience. It cost a lot giving. But it is the type of friend portrayed to us through our Savior.

            So all of this to say, I have been challenged to be a friend who is going to be a friend to others. Not to be afraid to get your hands dirty and help someone out of their sin. Not to be afraid to be lovingly tough with a friend who is going through a hard time.  I have been challenged to find friends who will also do this for me.  I challenge you to do the same- be a friend and find a friend who will get their hands dirty.