Bonhoeffer-Like
I recently read a biography of Deidrich Bonhoeffer. He was one crazy dude. He was a pastor in Germany before the outbreak of World War II. He figured out very, very early on that the Nazi party was a dark force. He and other believers broke away from the National Church in order to take a stand for Christ.
He had this awesome idea that loving your neighbors meant loving all your neighbors. He cited the Sermon on the Mount as His inspiration. He got it. He just got it. He didn't have to wear a plastic bracelet that challenged him, "What Would Jesus Do?" He knew. He knew that Jesus came for all, died for all. He wasn't afraid to do the same.
Here's what I think is crazy and inspirational and awe-inspiring. Bonhoeffer was offered refuge in the United States as things heated up in Germany. He could have stayed. He would have easily survived the war in comfort and security. But he knew comfort wasn't for him. He knew he was meant to go back to Germany. He knew it would likely cost him his life.
And still, he went back. He got on a ship and went back. He hoped to participate in a successful assassination of Hitler. He was martyrd for his faith during the last days of the war.
Deidrich lived a large life. He loved his neighbors as himself...actually, more than himself. I feel kind of guilty about the love I have for my neighbors. It's a "wave when passing" kind of love. It's a "say hi when I'm having a yard sale and they come to buy my old dishes" kind of love. It's a "gee, I never knew you were a single parent" kind of love. Come to think of it, that might not actually be love.
As I was researching this, I realized I was spelling Deidrich's name wrong. I was spelling it: Died-Rich.
And he did. He died rich. He died as rich as the Lord he followed. It occurs to me, I want to do that. I want to die rich, too. Even if it means getting my hands dirty, getting involved, being uncomfortable, even being afraid.
I want to be Bonhoeffer-like.
5 comments:
Hardest thing to do is get out of the weeds of my life and notice the flowering world around me. That is the exact thing I'm working on. How ironic to read your blog. Not doing great with the people I already know but I'm reaching out to help military families. I totally disagree with the war but feel like I should be supporting thier families especailly in times of need. Operation Homefront is the organization I'm working with but if anyone knows of a military family in need please let me know. I will search around for whatever it is they need.
My comment will be simple. I have lived in my house for 16 years and feel blessed to know the people around me. I have watched their kids grow and move away. I have watched divorce and remarriage. I have cried with my neighbors and mourned with my them. I walk with my neighbors and even have a few keys to their doors in case of an emergency. I've watched their kids (twins) at a moments notice so they could enjoy a night out. (the babysitter cancelled)!!!!
Most of my neighbors are christians and are active in their church a few are not... I'm working on that. Laura L.
I love stories like this!
I think real heroes are made- not born.
You have intrigued me to read more about this guy.
thanks again!
db
I have several kids in my yard daily after school, playing, climbing, building "forts" out of scrap lumber, sticks, and other things, and since our driveway slopes they like to ride skateboards and anything else in our garage with wheels. I think I am really blessed to have a location so suited to kids dropping by and playing outside. I grew up playing outside and all over the neighborhood for hours. Now people are more reluctant to let their kids roam, and kids are more apt to be inside watching Disney Channel or playing video games. So, playing with the neighborhood kids doesn't happen as often as it used to. I'm SO glad that I can provide a place for that to still happen!
I think I reach out much more than I used to and pray daily to notice those who need help - even minor things - carrying groceries for someone, pumping an elderly person's gasoline, helping an immigrant speak to the pharmacist. I used to not want to "intrude" for fear of offending. Now I always ask when I feel God's nudge - they can say no - but usually people are very grateful.
Post a Comment