A Movement

Things have to change. We continue to talk about the same problems without seeing the desired results and yet don't adjust our strategies. We recognize that there is a gap that is desperate to be filled and now we need to attack with an intentional intensity to find lasting success. It's not just about providing information, but it's instead about motivating people to see that there is another way of life. 

We don't have to be trapped in old cycles of behavior and thinking, but we can be transformed in a way that impacts our community. This involves the principles of social justice, education, and compassion and yet supersedes them at the same time. It's fueled by the indomitable will of people who won't stand for anything less, but persevere through resistance and commit to investing in the people around them. 

It's a movement marked by our desire to enter into the neighborhoods around us and fight for people who have either forgotten or never learned how to fight for themselves. It's a movement marked by genuine life transformation that doesn't come easily, but is much sweeter and longer lasting because it has taken tremendous effort. It resuscitates communities, obliterates prejudices of all kinds, and unites people in a common bond of brotherhood. It's the movement that God has been calling all of His children to take part in-the one that He designed us to lead. He promises to give us the strength, guidance, and resources to make it come alive. Will we take the initiative to make it a reality?

Failure of Nerve: Share the Truth

(This is part six of a series of blogs on failure of nerve. Click here to read the introduction blog.)

Rejection is something that most of us work to avoid. We analyze the possibility that our advances might not be well received and often choose not to take the risk. This can be true of our personal relationships, but can be particularly paralyzing when we're fearful of sharing Christ. 

I have never baptized someone who wasn't excited about their decision. That powerful moment produces emotional and spiritual energy that fosters transformation and the realization of a preferred future. Excitement bubbles over at the inner peace we now have and new vision is gained as the blinders of our past beliefs and decisions is finally lifted. This is a sentinel moment in our lives and most people can't wait to share it with other people. It's interesting then how quickly that enthusiasm for sharing can often fade. While we are passionate about the personal decision we have made we become reticent to pass that energy on for fear of alienating someone, offending their beliefs, or appearing intolerant of other viewpoints. 

All things need to be done in love and not necessarily by force, but we have to set aside this particular failure of nerve for the sake of eternity. It's a shifting viewpoint of choosing to share the story of our journey with Christ instead of fearing what someones response will be. Overcoming this hesitation isn't a matter of improving our daily life as much as it is giving a person an opportunity to change their eternal destiny. It's far less about our fears and more about our obedience to our calling as Christ followers.

Fellowship of the Unashamed

This is not my original work, but I shared it last night as we wrapped up How to Share Your Faith. It is titled "An African Martyr's Last Words."

"I am part of the 'Fellowship of the Unashamed.' The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ.

I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure.

I'm finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tame visions, mundane talking, cheap giving, and dwarfed goals.

My pace is set, my gait is fast, my goal is Heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few, my Guide reliable, my mission clear.

I won't give up, back up, let up or shut up until I've preached up, prayed up, paid up, stored up, and stayed up for the cause of Christ. I must go until He returns, give until I drop, preach until all know, and work until He comes.

And when He comes to get His own, He will have no problem recognizing me. My colors will be clear. 'For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ.' (Romans 1:16)"