Set It

We just finished up our Wednesday night services at the church and cleaned up our tables and chairs from our meal. We have racks that are used to hold the chairs which make it much easier to store them. There is only one way that the chairs fit on the rack, however, and if they aren't put on there correctly they will fall over. When working with our volunteers to clean up I've discovered that the key to success is to set the first chair on the rack so others can see how it should be done. Once the first chair is set, there aren't many questions about how it should happen.

What example am I setting in other areas of my life? How am I setting "the first chair" for my children so that they see how a God-honoring life should be lived? What example am I setting for my friends in the choices I make in my life? What steps am I modeling for other believers as a pastor? What leadership beginnings am I developing so other leaders can take over?

We've got to carefully evaluate the model we are establishing through our choices. There are other people watching and following whether we recognize it or not.

Follow Me

Jesus compacted his earthly ministry into three years. He was intentional with who He asked to travel with Him, knew exactly where He wanted go, and didn't waste opportunities to minister along the way. He was confident in who He was and the purpose of His mission on earth. Granted, He is God, so He is privy to information that we don't have in front of us, but His example is still worth examining. Following the model of Jesus tells us: 

• Don't waste efforts--know what you're trying to accomplish and work diligently towards that goal.
• Look for opportunities to make a difference in the the people we see along the journey.
• Keep a close band of brothers (and sisters) around you that encourage and help you.
• Take dedicated time to pray in the middle of busy schedules.
• Remember that no matter what we are doing, it's the Father's work.
• Conditions will not always be ideal, but you can still do what's right.
• Willingly submit to God's authority and plan even if you'd rather do something else. It's our obedience that matters more than what He's asking us to do.
• Be compassionate towards the people we pass on this journey. We aren't always able to see what's going on in their lives, but we can stop to let them know that they aren't alone.
• Stay focused on the mission that God has given you and don't forget that the steps of the journey are just as important as the destination.
• Move with intentional confidence-not in your own abilities, but in God's direction and plan. 
• When you're listening intently to God you'll know when a job is finished.

Better People

Today we pause as a nation to honor a man who continues to influence lives long after his death. We tout his leadership in the civil rights movement, his superior oratory skills, and his unwavering commitment to fulfilling his life's vision. He is a role model with many qualities that should be emulated and most certainly should be honored today throughout our nation.

The legacy of Dr. King doesn't just motivate us to work diligently for equality for all people however. His example also inspires us to be better people. If we follow his lead we will become people who are:

• fully compassionate
• imbued with godly vision 
• dedicated to serving the heavenly King 
• resolute in our drive & determination
• working to address the inequalities & injustices of this world 
• striving tirelessly to fulfill God's vision regardless of the persecution we face
• confident in the power of the Holy Spirit to produce evidence of faith within us. 

Dr. King worked for cultural change, but also strove to show us all what was possible when we commit our lives to God's calling and pursued it with integrity, determination, and genuine Christian faith.