OUTHSIDESCOOP
FRESH DEW
“DotheHustle”LikeJesusDid BySis.RickiFuller
In the 1970’s we listened and danced to a song entitled “Do the Hustle.” That tune had great music which enabled us to gently and creatively jive the rhythm. And, to top that, the only lyrics were “ooh, ooh, ooh; do it” over and over again. But, y’all, the music was def smooth.
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OrlanderR.Thomas
SeniorMinister
WilliamA.Stephens
MinisterEmeritus
WileyShearin,Jr.
ElderEmeritus
RickiFuller
Women’sCounselor
CandiceP.Blount
ChurchAdministrator
QuentellaWilliams
ExecutiveAssistant
Deacons
JohnAlcox
AnthnoyGreen,Sr.
ArthurHackney
JohnMathis
ChesterMayfield,Jr.
RogerMcDougal
JoeWilliams
KeithWright
Def smooth is, perhaps, what Jesus personified during his three years of ministry here on earth. It seems the first disciples who took a liking to Jesus were influenced by his radical approach which was reminiscent of honesty/integrity to the followers and listeners. His message and demeanor were replete with moral goodness and excellence in character. His being accompanied by The Holy Spirit demonstrated a certain bravado which seemingly evoked a strong desire in those who followed him (Matthew 4:19; 9:9).
Back to the term ‘hustle. In some circles, it is defined as “the idea that your career and the money you make are the most important things out there… To be successful, you need to work hard. You need to ‘grind’ constantly and work your way up.” It is, also, stated that “hustlers are not deterred by obstacles or issues. So, good things come to them because they outlast every storm surviving disasters to begin anew. They operate in the spirit of never giving up and persevering against all odds.”
Wow, would you agree, that’s exactly how Jesus operated while here on earth? No wonder the disciples were eager to be under his tutelage. His resourcefulness and creativity demonstrated to them the importance of finding and exercising new methods of success. That included success in living their own personal lives as well as success in serving other people like Jesus did.
In essence, those of us in this era can be labeled as hustlers as we dedicate ourselves to Jesus Christ and His Salvation/Gospel Ministry. And, devoting our lives to Christ suggests we have obeyed that Gospel from our hearts/souls (Romans 6:17). Such obedience has served to create, in each of us, a radical life change. We are destined/called to be cleanedup radicals who hustle to save others like Jesus did.
Such radical life-change contributes to empowering us to hustle or apply ourselves to conscientiously appreciate GOD’s desire and purpose for our lives and the lives of all people (the vineyard harvest). In a sense, hustling can be equated to recommitting ourselves to truly believe and receive GOD’s love and forgiveness. Hence, revealing our restored rich relationship with Him through Christ’s obedience and victory!
If you will, think about it for a moment. As highlighted in Romans 2:4, our Christ (Immanuel) exhibited Abba’s patience, kindness, tolerance and love to the masses of that time and to us in this era. Those wonderful characteristics of our GOD’s Grace were and are all meant to draw us to repentance/recommitment. Thus, Christ’s Light grows in our character(s) and radiates to those who need Him also, which includes people of all hues/nationalities.
PRAYER
2023
