Come follow Him

The past series of columns about the Church, Christians and how we demonstrate our love and devotion to Jesus Christ has been a challenge. There is a need for evaluation constantly in our individual and collectively as we walk as believers. Evaluation is without question one of the most difficult task we ever undertake. As a minister are my sermons relevant and timely is often a question to consider. Are the words people hear out of my mouth thoughts that leave a positive impression of the difference that Jesus can make in them too. Being an attractor or a distraction is a work in progress for me personally. To admit failure is difficult and to accept a struggle to deal with can be miserable at times and rewarding once you have made it through. Miserable because Jesus never promised we would not have to walk through valleys and be required to climb mountains. Rewarding because of the confidence we gain in having learned to trust Him and to continue to step forward even when there appears to be no light to shine the way.
The Church is the greatest instrument of organization, purpose and blessings. Organization because we have one leader, Jesus, who has also provided a spirit for our daily walk He has given us clear direction throughout scripture as to our purpose. To go, teach, and make other disciples. The church is the vehicle He gave us to use as we work together as followers. It is designed to be the instrument by which we build up God and edify each other.
Christians are the designated key factor by which the Will of God is completed. Christians are the vital link for observation by others and the viewing of our lives should mirror the actions and love of God and be his instrument of service as directed by the Holy Spirit. This is not an easy task, following Him that is. Consider that when Jesus called James and John to follow Him, the instructions were to leave their nets, leave their boats, leave their careers and just follow. For some Christians there will be a total and complete change of direction in their lives, while for others, it will be a learning process of how to use where they are and what they are currently doing to His glory and as a demonstration of our commitment to follow Him.
Evaluating my life as a minister I can easily become sidetracked by focusing on a singular event or experience. When I feel like I’ve been hurt, I can easily become bitter; want to quite and even plan to give up. Missing the bigger picture because of our narrow focus reminds me of that moment when Jesus and the disciples were coming down from the mountain being on such a high note they were missing all the hurting people they were passing as they walked down from their spiritual high. I have often found myself in that same position, and I’m not proud of that fact. Yet, it is amazing to watch Jesus. Just one simple touch of the treads of His garment and He ask, “who touch me?” The disciples were quick with an answer that made good sense. There were many people reaching out, how could it make sense that Jesus would recognize one individual touch? Simple, He made us in His image. He designed us with his chosen skill and talents and He knows all about us, even before we know ourselves…that’s why!
Today is the day, are you in?

Until then