Big Distractions and the Big Compel
In our American slice of the Bride of Christ, I have observed that there is a tendency to let our cultural grid predispose us to an embrace of non-biblical worldview orientations. Like myself, have you ever wondered if somehow we have reversed the course of God’s design on us as His children along with an acute inability to understand His purposes for mankind? Could it be that the tendency of our hearts is to be collectively and seemingly more content to live in the shallows while we tend to avoid the depths of His great ways? Could it be that the level of un-recognized distractions available to the average laborer in the harvest are God's glory compelled opportunities to evaluate? The Big Compel? God's glory, God's unchanging love, and God's worthiness is what compels every aspect of one' life as a disciple of Jesus.
I wonder.
Have we forgotten our First Love? Have we forgotten our allegiances to His Kingdom purposes in this world and our call to be His instruments in the fulfillment thereof?
So, what then is the presupposition of His designs on the Bride of Christ? What then is the function to which God calls His Bride?
I have taken the literary liberty to paraphrase John Piper’s comment; “When it comes to Matt 28 and the Great Commission, Christians have three choices presented to us by the Lord; go to the ethne peoples of the earth (sent out ones), send others (with our intercession, resources) and personal embrace of the task of those whom the Lord sends, or disobey.”
When it comes to the ability to see the End Vision of the launch of cascading movements to Christ among the remaining Unreached People Groups, the ability to walk in surrenderedness is key. How we choose to spend our time is a key area to invite the examine of the Lord.
In 1991, when my husband and I first arrived to the m*s**on field, we had not the unique challenges of today's highly connected globe. Will we be informed by the End Vision in the "how" of what we choose to focus our time upon, for God's glory and His story? Or, will be consumed by that which rather needs to be utilized with meaningful media engagement?
Recommended read: https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2019/september-web-only/missionary-netflix-streaming-internet-incarnation-technolog.html
The above helpful article addresses this need to recognize how to leverage internet connections without allowing it to be a distraction. If we do not learn how to live in a self-controlled way in this internet/sos-med age, then we will not be the vessels whom God uses greatly.
DBS-A Biblical Work Ethic
Colossians 1:28-29
He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.
- Read the following passages
- 1 Thes 2:9-12
- 2 Thes 3:6-13
- Acts 20:31-35
- 2 Tim 2:1-10
- 2 Tim 4:1-8
- What was Paul’s work ethic?
– Hours
– Conduct (how he interacted with people)
- Why? What did he hope to accomplish?
Paul’s Work Ethic
- Caveat: single man
- Work ethic:
– NIGHT & DAY
– Maybe worked a full-time job (tents) + ministry at night
– Or, ministry day and night
– With tears, admonishing, exhorting, encouraging: life on life
– Endure hardship
- Why?
– Model for full-time working believers
– To build up the believers – help them mature
– So that all might be saved
– Knowing the fruit only comes to those who work hard
- What do you hear?
How can you multiply your time?
- Sometimes combining family times & ministry times
- Take out low priority items
- Taking local believers along with you when you run errands
- Maximize meal times (you have to eat lunch – why not with someone else?)
- Delegate
- Spend less time online!
- Get a house helper
- Get outside help re-thinking your time usage when you are feeling maxed out.
- Get additional team members
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