As we embark on our First Change the World Day this Saturday May 14th, it is important to really grasp the implications of what we as Christians are called to do in the grand scheme of the Great Commission. So, as we dive into this incredible idea of changing the world, let's strive not to forget a few important things.
1) Jesus has already forever changed the world. John 1:14, "The word became flesh and dwelt among us."
Let's face it the greatest thing ever to happen to this world is Jesus. Nothing better has come before, and I will remind you nothing better is coming. As you read this I really hope that isn't a let down, but rather an incredible joy that the God of the universe is so invested and so loves this world that He wanted to be a part of it. All of our service, all of our energy, all of our missions while great and many times very meaningful will fail in comparison to Jesus entering into, speaking truth into, and saving the world.
The goal is for you to read this and not to say, "Oh, why should I do mission if what I do fails in comparison. . ." But, rather for you to say, "God has called me to an incredible role in his story of bringing the entire world into a loving, saving relationship with him, and I accept this role humbly."
2) We should never divorce the mission from Jesus.
This area is really tricky. I will be the first to tell you that people believe many different ideas about this. I don't remember if you recall the homeless man who walked into Chic-Fil-A a few months ago asked for a meal and the employee brought the owner out to meet the man, the owner prayed for the man, and then gave him his dinner. Should the owner have given the man the meal and not prayed? Was the owner right in praying with the man first? There are many questions to consider here, and my opinions on this are still evolving. However, here is what I can tell you.
1) Be and very patient with people. We rarely know someone's entire story, people are very hesitant to let you into their struggles and pain. My best advice be kind, be patient, and know that God uses your efforts even if it doesn't seem so.
2) Be inviting with Jesus, but be willing and open to hearing no.
It is so powerful to ask to pray with people, to ask to tell people about Jesus, but my advice is to always give them a choice. Be okay and be comfortable if someone says no. God will continue to work that person in many, many ways long after you've gone. Be good, be faithful, be inviting, but most importantly be humble and understand that God saves people not us.
3) Allow service to become your energy.
One of the big problems today is that many of us see serving the Lord and living our faith as a burden. Nehimiah 8:10 reminds us that the joy of the Lord is our strength. One of the big things I see missing in many of us, now I didn't say all of us, but it is joy and energy. We seem tired, over busy, over worked, and for many of us it seems to be going through the motions. My advice, simplify your life, take on less, say no more, and make it a really amazing experience when you say yes. God can use you, no matter what, but our witness is most effective when we are energized, joyful, and prepared rather than tired and overworked. Learn how to balance your life with rest, service, worship, obligations, work, and more. Understand that almost always when you say no, it is God preparing you for a greater "yes" opportunity that is coming your way. Together we can change the world.
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