So Far Away

Long distance relationships might work in romance, but they aren't very effective in facilitating societal & spiritual change. Transformation within our community is most effective when there is a life-to-life investment. The most powerful impact isn't found by sitting on one side of town and throwing money & prayer at those in need, even if those resources are desperately needed. It's an invested level of commitment that we might struggle with, but is essential if we genuinely want to be an active part of a lasting solution.

When we engage in spiritual battles and work to reclaim God's territory, it usually involves some form of hand-to-hand combat. While we can (and should) pray for people & areas that are far from us, we must combine that with intentional efforts to come face-to-face with our community's struggles. If we profess to be a Christ-follower, it isn't effective to declare that we are claiming territory for God. We have to enter that property and plant the flag of ownership ourselves. It isn't safe to do this, but re-claiming nations & people is worth the risk.

You can't solve problems from far away.

Because

Do we ever stop and ask why we do something the way we do it? Introspection & careful analysis are keys to increasing market share for businesses but we often fail to do the same thing in our personal lives. The honest answer for most of our habits in family, church, etc. is "We've always done it that way." 

While there is comfort in familiar patterns, if this is the only motivation for our choices we will never determine if what we are doing is effective. Honestly, it doesn't really matter how effective it is if we are unclear about the vision of our future and the steps that are leading to it. When you don't know (or care) where you're headed then your motivation isn't that important to understand.

The refinements that will need to take place if we ask, "Why?" can be daunting. This isn't just attributed to the hard work of change, but to the intimidation factor that comes from things being different from what we have known. It's worth the effort, however, to avoid lapsing into patterns of behavior without understanding the motivation behind them.

Hit or Quit

While there are always exceptions to generalities, I can safely say that a characteristic of our society today is that we aren't willing to work hard for the things we want. We seek immediate gratification and if we don't get it, then we walk away. If we are unable to hit our ideal the first time out or if something isn't easy for us, we simply quit. This reflects our cultural laziness, a wandering attention span, lack of work ethic, and an unwillingness to persevere.

This is reflected in relationships, jobs, learning new skills, leadership, and academics. It's modeled in giving awards for simply participating instead of setting a higher standard that gives people something to aim at. I'm not denying the need to affirm effort, but I am also advocating the need to realize when an effort has fallen short and adjustments need to be made. This provides an open opportunity for genuine improvement through setting goals and identifying the steps it will take to reach that higher plane. There is value in the struggle to succeed.

The truth is that no matter how talented or gifted you are, things will not always be easy. There will be seasons of failure and frustration. Our character will be revealed (and strengthened) in our willingness to evaluate, make adjustments, and put in the sweat equity to eventually succeed. This tenacity will leave a legacy for those that we lead that surpasses the "feel-good theology" of only doing the things that come easily to you. Disappointment can be a valuable teacher if we channel that into an investment of labor to improve.

What a Waste

We grew up fairly poor by most standards. There wasn't an excess of food, clothing, or new things as we struggled to meet our day-to-day needs. We very rarely threw things away as we would use them until they fell apart or were handed down to someone else. It was a common understanding that we needed to be careful with what we had because we couldn't afford to waste it. We knew that our supply was very limited so being profligate wasn't an option.

Unfortunately, this attitude of cautious usage isn't the norm. Societally we tend to be wasteful people with our food, money, energy, and relationships. Spiritually, our repetitively sinful actions reflect our waste of God's grace & mercy. We cast them aside as we seek short-term pleasures and then beg God for more as these temporary visions fall short of fulfillment. We squander His forgiveness through our own selfishness and then fall before His compassionate nature in desperation

How fortunate are we that God is recklessly extravagant with His gifts for His children? Even as I continually stumble, I am grateful that God's supply of grace is bigger than the demand of my sin.

Keep Trying

I was working in my office this afternoon & had the Florida Gators football game playing on my laptop. It was obvious that they were being outplayed and as the game wore on it appeared they were going to lose. I had resigned myself to this unexpected defeat, but fortunately for Gator fans the team had not. I was amazed & impressed as they scored once to tie the score and then miraculously blocked a punt & returned it for the winning score with two seconds to go. It was a testimony to the perseverance of the team when things were not going as scripted. They understood that the potential for a great season was hanging in the balance and refused to stop working hard until there was no more time on the clock.

When we have something that is important to us we should keep working hard & doing what is right even when it doesn't seem to be going our way. The inner confidence we have gives us strength to keep fighting for our families, to be advocates for those that can't stand on their own, to correct injustices, and to be messengers of grace. We won't always feel like we're winning, but we have to continue to do what we know is right. Perseverance creates hope and builds character within us that stays strong regardless of circumstances.

Stand Strong

Acts 8:1 "On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria."

It was a rough time for the new church. People were now being killed for their beliefs and panic had set in among those who were beginners in their faith. Most of the followers went into hiding, but the apostles stayed in Jerusalem in spite of the circumstances. They would set the best example by being calm, focused, and committed to the furthering the vision of the church.

Leaders learn to withstand persecution and difficult times by not overreacting. We need to have confidence in God even through times of struggle, and not avoid tough decisions and situations. A leader can bring peace through consistent actions that reflect confidence in God's ability to work in good & bad times. You can't effectively lead people by looking back over your shoulder as you run away from conflict.

Catalytic

Have we become so consumed with the principle of not offending anyone that we forget that bold faith will be offensive? If we are going to take a stand for Christ it will inspire some to follow, but will also cause enemies to rise up against us. Just as there is no middle ground in being a follower of Christ (you either are or you aren't) there is no middle ground in the response we receive to the life we lead. Many fellow Christians know this truth as they live in persecuting countries and yet still maintain their passion for Christ. Ironically, the same enthusiasm that their tormentors live by is mirrored in the commitment of new Christians in proclaiming their faith in spite of the circumstances.

I believe in the mission of the church to reach those who haven't chosen to follow Christ. This must be done in love and by fully extending grace, but the reality is that God's truth will not always be well received. Scripture even tells us that God's wisdom will appear as foolishness to some and can cause disruption in families and between friends. This isn't the relationship I want to develop with others, but I have to put my faith in God's principles and remain there regardless of the response I might receive. 

Our commitment level combined with God's power will bring about positive & negative reactions. Passionately authentic faith is a catalyst for revival and persecution.