MAKING THE REAL IMAGINARY

In the year 1675 the Archbishop of Canterbury was acquainted with an actor named Mr. Butterton. One day the Archbishop said to Butterton, “Tell me, Mr. Butterton, what is the reason you actors on stage can affect your congregations with speaking of things imaginary, as if they were real, while we in church speak of things real, which our congregations only receive as if they were imaginary?” “Why, my Lord,” says Butterton, “the reason is very plain. We actors on stage speak of things imaginary as if they are real and you in the pulpit speak of things real as if they are imaginary.” – Excerpt from a George Whitefield sermon

How dull we can make the Kingdom of God seem! As you think about how things are going and set goals for the rest of the year, don’t forget to walk by faith and not by sight. It is a sad reality that actors can make imaginary things seem more alive than we can as followers of Jesus who live our lives in hopes of illuminating the realest reality of all to our co-workers, employees, neighbors, and friends.

What are some ways you can make the “real” seem more real to those you live among?

OPEN USA supports workers in the 10/40 Window, who are doing Business for Transformation. This author’s identifying information has been withheld due to security reasons. To learn more about OPEN USA and B4T, visit Find Yourself in B4T.