Quote
The line attributed to Francis — “Preach the gospel at all times; if necessary, use words” — is almost certainly not his, and that…
Mission · Faith · Calling
Assisi · Romans 10 · Matthew 5
Story
Bilbo and the Adventure
May 4 – The Adventure of Serving (Romans 12:4-8)
Every time we say “The Adventure of…” in this series, my mind goes to *The Hobbit*. Bilbo is a hobbit — small, reserved, known for love of peace and simplicity. Hobbits prefer predictable routines, deep enjoyment of food, drink, and comfort. They are wary of outsiders and reluctant to leave home. Early in the story Gandalf invites Bilbo to join a group on an epic and dangerous adventure. Gandalf has watched Bilbo for years and confronts his quiet complacency: “You’ve been sitting quietly for far too long… When did doilies and your mother’s dishes become so important to you?” He tells Bilbo that if he joins and survives, he would not return as the same hobbit who left. He would return transformed. This is a lot like Christianity. God has called us to join him in an epic and dangerous adventure of a lifetime and to have a role in his Kingdom. Many of us, like Bilbo, can become fixated on finding happiness, contentment, and purpose in the safety and busyness of our own “Shire.”
How you’d preach it
Warm, memorable literary illustration for the call to leave comfort and enter the adventure of serving and spiritual formation.
- Mission
- Calling
- Rest
Romans 12
Romans 12:4-8