More Than Merely Knocking
By Christine Carter
The canvassing field provides many opportunities to minister to others. Most of the time, such opportunities arise at the doors -- after all, canvassing is a door-to-door ministry. But other times, God provides contacts that we, as canvassers, do not even expect. This experience happened to be one of those "other times."
While on lunch break at Taco Bell, our group spotted two homeless individuals taking a break from the hot summer day outside. For us, it was a stark contrast -- our clean skirts and dressy outfits, and their well-worn clothing; our meals, and their lack. As we sat comfortably enjoying our lunches, the nagging feeling in our hearts began to tug louder and louder with each bite. Was it guilt? Undoubtedly guilt was involved -- guilt, not because we had food, but because we knew that with each passing moment we were losing an opportunity to truly live out our Christianity. Finally, we decided to act. Pitching in a few dollars each, we introduced ourselves to the homeless individuals, asking if it would be alright if we could buy them lunch that afternoon.
Eventually, each accepted, and we bought them the items that they then hand-selected from the menu. It seemed like it had been providential -- the price of the meal had only been off by about ninety cents in comparison to the donations provided by our group -- praise God! Before leaving, we provided each individual with a small Christian pamphlet on the life of Christ, feeding them both physically and spiritually, all in a matter of minutes.
As Christians, we are called not only to preach and teach our faith, but -- far more importantly -- to live it out as well. Canvassing is more than merely knocking. The ultimate test of a canvasser is not how faithful they can be while on duty -- walking door-to-door, praying for the guidance and wisdom of which they know they will be in need. Rather, the greatest test is how faithful the canvasser will be when they are not "on the front lines" but are instead on lunch breaks, for example. And the same rule applies to all Christians, canvassers or not. How do we measure up to our faith? Do we live as though Christ is always with us? Or do we forget that He has promised to be always by our side? I know that there have been many times in my life when I have conveniently forgotten that God is with me, and I've suffered the consequences -- physically, mentally, or spiritually -- that inevitably come with such choices.
Friends, I implore you to live your faith. Search your heart, and renew your commitment to Christ -- it is something that we must do on a daily basis if we are to stay connected with our Creator and Redeemer. And when God is in our hearts, His life will be reenacted in our own, and we can truly be a living light and blessing to those around us. May God be glorified in the lives of each of His children.
