In this post, there will be no gimmicks, twists; tricks or word play. I need to share some burning things that the Lord has been putting on my heart and allowing me to see from His perspective recently. He has taught me and grown me so much the past year, and especially the past few months, I don’t even know where to begin.
I guess I’ll start with what I was reading in scripture today. In Philippians 2, Paul tells us that we should “have the same attitude as Christ.” This is a very commonplace passage that I have read many times before, but this time it leapt out at me. Is it possible for a human to have the exact same attitude as Christ? And if so, what would that look like?
Tonight I was at a friend’s graduation party, and aside from realizing how long it’s been since I was in high school, I realized something else. I LOVE high schoolers, and being with them rejuvenates my spirit. But it absolutely breaks my heart when I see them put each other down, or act superior to one another. I know that we all do this to some extent, but teenagers are at that most tender point where every action matters, and has to be perfect, because the cliff of rejection looms so near to their tipping toes. I was there. I was that insecure kid for most of high school, and much of my college career as well. It breaks my heart that I cannot mentor/love on every single one of them, and share what Christ has done for me, and in me.
It is at this point I stop myself and say, ‘well, why can’t I share the love of God with every one?’ God is so so good, and He is absolutely worth sharing! And, why are the Christians around me so complacent, and comfortable to allow others not to know God intimately? Ironically, one of the best points pro-proselytizing was made by an atheist. He asked why, if we believe in a heaven and hell, and a loving God who loves justice, would we knowingly allow so many people to go to hell? He says “how much do you have to hate somebody to wish them to spend eternity in hell?” And that is simply by keeping our mouth shut about Jesus! Do we love people enough to open our mouths and share about what Jesus has done for us?? The more I think of it, the more my heart breaks for all those people who don’t know Him! What are we so scared of? (I’d love to hear your thoughts or answers to any of these questions!) How can we claim to love Jesus, and claim to love others, yet be okay with watching them die and potentially go to hell? Forever?
As Christians, saying that we have a heart “to minister to the church,” or “to disciple believers” is NO excuse to not reach the lost and share the love of Christ with them! You may be more inclined to build up the Church. Great! Do it! But if your heart is not breaking for the lost, then you’re missing some part of the gospel. I am filled with regret thinking of all the people I have encountered in my life, and with how FEW I have shared the love of God. (And no, you and me living a morally good, “exemplary” life does not get non-believers into heaven. Sorry, St. Francis.)
However, there is another factor to this pattern. I have talked with several people recently–people who love Jesus and pray and worship and read the Word constantly–who are terrified of doing ministry. This fear was not based in any sort of pride or laziness, but in a feeling of inadequacy. I want to speak against that right now. Reader, I pray that your ears and eyes be opened to receive this: If the Holy Spirit is living in you, and you have been saved by the atoning blood of Jesus, you are more than equipped to do ministry. The people I was speaking with told me that they feared discipling someone because they were afraid they would get something wrong, or they would not have the answer to all the questions coming their way. Truth is, that fear is a lie from the enemy who does not want us to be disciples who make disciples who make disciples.
YOU are ready for ministry. If nothing else, you have your own testimony to share what God has done in your own life! That has power to it! Revelation 19 says “For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” That is so powerful! Sharing what God has done in your life is prophecy. People need it. We need more leaders in the church who are fearless and reckless with their faith. We need you to rise up and do what God has been preparing you to do your whole life.
You’re ready NOW.
For the sake of the thirsty, the hungry, and the lost; do it.
e
PS – Have you ever noticed that the most free people you know are the ones most madly in love with Jesus? They aren’t bound by worrying what others think of them because they know they are loved beyond words by their Father. They don’t worry about work or finances because they know that the Lord provides. They aren’t addicted to sins because they have replaced their old self with the Holy Spirit. They have the freedom to put others first because Christ first humbled Himself, and they have nothing to prove. Just some thought candy for your mind to chew on…
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