***
One of my favorite books is Barbara Kingsolver’s, The Poisonwood Bible.
It’s the story about a Baptist minister from Georgia named Doug, who decides that his calling in life is to evangelize Africa.
So, he drags his wife and three young girls along with him.
Nervous about the weight limit for luggage, Doug’s daughters pack as much as they can on themselves: several dresses each, countless pairs of socks, hair pins, Band-Aids, a hand-mirror, and cake mix.
Everything hidden beneath their coats.
“But Daddy,” one of his daughter notes, “he only brought the Word of God… Said it’s all he needed!”
***
As with every other teaching, Doug took Jesus’ words in today’s Gospel literally.
Perhaps too literally.
“Do not take … a sack for the journey,” Jesus says, “or a second tunic, or sandals, or a walking stick. The laborer deserves his keep” (Matthew 10:9-10).
***
Doug was right in his desire to share the Gospel with others, even in faraway places.
But it’s how he did it that became his demise.
He was aggressive and forceful; stubborn; rarely willing to listen; determined to be right.
***
Faith is important to us, as it was to Doug. We, too, should want to share the Gospel.
But it’s how we do it that often makes the difference.
For example, how patient am I with people who have little or no faith? Do I seek to understand their perspective? Or am I forceful in making my beliefs known?
Am I merciful to others? Or do I spend my time judging them, instead?
***
The best way to share the Gospel is not by preaching it, as Doug reminds us.
But by living it well.
***
