Foolishness or Faith?

If we act now without knowing for sure how it’s going to work out, is that foolishness or faith?  If we commit ourselves to doing the right thing without regard for the consequences, is that foolishness or faith?  Where does one find the balance between the Divine and the human when action is required now and the results—success or failure won’t be known until well into the future? 

Call us “foolish” if you will, just don’t call us "faithless." 

"Are you guys crazy?"

That was the question we were asked over and over as we presented our dream of planting a church in one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in New Orleans before we even have our own building put back together. 

Great Question.  We have to admit, it does sound pretty foolish.  But another day passes, and we read about another murder.  We drive the streets and watch as a drug dealer treats a 2nd grader to some free candy building a "relationship."   Down the street we watch as a desperate woman offers to trade herself for cash.  Smart money says, "Lock the doors and keep driving."

Salt and Light.  What good are we if we've lost our saltiness?

When we give an accounting of our lives, we want to be able to say that we tried to reach the ones Jesus came to save--the lost, hurting, marginalized, and forgotten.  That we didn't keep walking.  That we didn't turn our heads aside.  That we didn't ignore the little ones and thus abandon them to the users and dealers. The Great Physician came for the sick and sinful (Matt 9:12) and we can try to do no less.

We may fail but it won't be for lack of trying. 

In fact, we may go broke or even die trying.  We live in a dangerous and desperate city.  But, worse things could happen.  We could stop being faithful to the one we call "Lord" who died faithfully serving--nailed to the cross by the ones He came to save.