The Amish will not appear on your doorsteps to share the gospel or stand in street corners handing out tracts, neither will they go seeking converts to their faith.
They believe they will point more people to God simply by living a life different from the world, in nearly every way.
Their clothing, plain and what they think will not draw attention to ones self.
Living out the sermon on the mount. If Jesus taught it on the sermon on the mount you can count on them practicing it.
Marriage is a lifelong commitment, divorce is not an option. Matthew 5:32
They will not swear, as in giving an oath. Matthew 5: 34-37
They will not sue anyone. Matthew 5: 38-40
They go out of their way to return good for evil. Matthew 5:44
Giving alms after communion is not talked about, even husbands and wives don't know how much the other is giving. Matthew 6: 1-4
Prayers are either silent or from their little black prayer book. Matthew 6:6
They forgive those who wrong them. Matthew 6: 14-16
They don't spend a lot of money on things that aren't necessities. Matthew 6:19
They don't talk about their faith unless someone asks questions. Matthew 7:6
They obey the golden rule. Matthew 7:12
They believe that modeling their life according to these points will do way more for the kingdom of God than going out "witnessing" ever would. People will see their good works and glorify their Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16
We're no longer Amish, but we still apply these same principles to our life, in addition we are much more open about talking about Jesus and what He has done for us, and prayer has become much more than it used to be.
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I believe the amish have reached many through living the example Jesus taught in Matthew 5. Actions really do speak louder than words. Blessings friend
ReplyDeleteThe world would be a much better place if we Christians lived our lives the way Jesus taught us to. Sometimes I think I would be much better at it if I was raised with these Amish principles but, of course, that would be relying on my own strength instead of Jesus'. I love that Jesus' emphasis, after loving God with your whole heart, is how we treat one another. It's the same way with the 10 commandments. This was such a great post, Mary Ann!
ReplyDeleteI needed to read Matthew 6:19. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteQuakers don't proselytize either. Our saying is "let your life preach."
ReplyDeleteI do have a friend who met some Quakers from Latin America who were confused that up here we don't proselytize. After some confused discussion, it turned out that they meant "serve the poor, and when asked why we're so helpful, tell them Jesus calls us" and were pretty perplexed by what it means to proselytize in the US!
I appreciate you sharing this post. This explains well why they are so willing to love and forgive in the face of tragedy. If only all of God's children, or those who claim to be, we so gracious. Me included.
ReplyDeleteMy 9 year old daughter is wondering when you might be releasing a 5th Lily Lapp book? She is pages away from finishing the 4th book and just doesn't know what she will do without her daily dose of Lily!
ReplyDeleteNumbers 2 and 3 were my favorite reads today!!!
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