A Back Porch View of Life


As I looked up upon this picture I started thinking about living life with only a back porch view. Now, if this was your actual back porch then I would have to admit that your view of the world isn't bad at all, but for most of us it would be a bit more bland.

From the front porch of this cabin you see life from a different perspective. The road is just up the hill and thousands of people pass by every day. You don't see that from the back porch where all you see is God's beautiful creation.

The front porch is where you see people in a hurry to move on down the road. Some are just sightseeing without a clue. Some are having a good day and others are having the worst day of their life. The front porch is where you have a chance to give a friendly wave, interact with people, hear their stories and share life.

We are instructed by God to live life with others in fellowship, service and love. You don't do that from the back porch -- you've got to put yourself out front where life happens. As Christians we can be guilty of hiding out on the back porch where it's "safe" and the world appears rosy, but that's not the purpose for which you were called.

The Apostle Paul wrote, "Serve one another humbly in love." (Galatians 5:13b)

And as you serve them in love tell them why you do so... because Jesus loved you first!

We love because He first loved us. (1 John 4:19)

Don't just KNOW the gospel message. BE the gospel message to others. 

Noah "Bud" Ogle Cabin
Great Smoky Mountains

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