Natasha’s Study: SDWSC Chapter 8

SDWSC Official Homepage http://www.sdwsc.com/

Scripture Reference: Gospel of John 12: 1-7, Matthew 26: 6-13, Mark 14: 3-9

Discussion Point 8: “What if I didn’t just do what I was obligated to do but actually invested and did something that I knew would matter?” Elisa Morgan, page 48

For the first time in the book, this chapter outlines what SDWSC is not. 

The book reveals that “She Did What She Could” is not:

“Paying It Forward”

            Avoiding Guilt.

                        Obedience for obedience’s sake.

                                     Random Acts of kindness.

                                     Or an “Oprah” promoted, “Live Your Best Life” trend.

And I will add that SDWSC is not:

Doing everything, all of the time, for everyone without a shred of discernment.

Acting out of obligation concerning what someone else thinks you should do.

Acting on your self-imposed pressure to “do the right thing.”

SDWSC is simply an act of love.  While receiving the Honduras report, I was given the “formal” phase for an action that I have believed in and have practiced for years.  The phase is “friendship evangelism.”  It makes sense when you think about it.  My take on friendship evangelism is that we, as Christians, are to care about, take interest in, and invest in the lives of others.  “Others” includes people that are not in your immediate family or friendship circle, do not attend your church, and do not fit comfortably into your little box.  Others are all of the people that God loves, and you could love too if you actually took the time to get to know them, without preconceived notions, judgment or scorn.

People can “experience” your day to day living and decide whether they like you or not.  They may observe that you only do what you are obligated to do, and that you complete those obligations with grumblings and complaints.  Based on your attitude alone, they may decide that they do not enjoy your company, and certainly want no more of your Jesus.  That would be tragic.  On the other hand, obligations can be completed with gladness – and that’s a good start for SDWSC.  Beyond that we can all look for opportunities to love our fellow man and invest in their lives because we are loved.  SDWSC is how we shine a light and bring the hope of Jesus to a lost world.  Let nothing hinder us.  Let us do it now because there is no other time of certainty to act than the present.  

What if we didn’t wait to be invited?  What if we didn’t sit in the corner?  What if we didn’t hide behind being an introvert?  What if we invited someone into our homes, someone who we know could use a smiling face, a friendly chat, or simply an ear to listen?   

“But Mary wasn’t ‘invited.’  Strictly speaking, Jesus never said, ‘Hey, Mary, would you please do something especially outstanding for me right now?” – Elisa Morgan, page 49

What if we all stepped out of our comfort zones?  What if we took the initiative?  What if?