“How’s Jesus Messing with You”

That phase is one that has been with me at a time of my life when I struggle with the, “Whom I Belong Too” question. Quite frankly, it’s a question designed to make you stop in your tracks and make you think! So, I ask you that question,” How is Jesus Messing with You”?

It’s amazing how we look at things, “I call this,” perception verse reality”, and really never see what it was we were looking at. Have you ever been walking and have someone said something like, “I was walking right behind you and saw the money just lying there on the ground. You walked right over it “? You sort of get upset with yourself because you had the opportunity to get it first, but you didn’t

I remember a few years ago several of the students at my school walked out the front door and went to the bus for a field trip. I was the last one to come out, but I went over to pick up this silver beer can someone had thrown away, only to discover it was a mini cam recorder in perfect working order. All of a sudden, all the students wanted my newly discovered device. Even though they had seen it first, they had not really seen it.

You see we must as Christians always keep in mind our conduct or sight for the Mission. In 1 Timothy, Paul writes a letter about God’s expectations for church conduct. In fact, in 1 Timothy 3:15, he gives three metaphors of the church—three ways God views it. The church is a family, the assembly of God, and the support (pillar) and bulwark (foundation) of the truth. What do these metaphors teach us about God’s mission for the church? How can we, as individuals and congregations, help the “Church” fulfill God’s directives?

“Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19 

In John 1:14,” The Word became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood.” God has taken responsibility for saving by Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. He is on a grand adventure to redeem and restore human lives to the kingdom of his Father. This for me is nothing new.

My wonder is, “If that is what God is doing to us here at the Church, leading us to a vision but we just don’t see the sighs along the way. “For I know the plans I have for you, “declares the Lord,” plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” You see Jesus has a plan for all of us. But it is a mystery in how Jesus works out his plan in each person’s life especially when it comes to serving; some people resist, some are ignoring, some are oblivious and some are ready and fueled with the Holy Spirit. But as leaders, sometimes we hear so much negative talk from our sheep we forget, God has a plan for his Believers at his time!

And the Angel of the Lord appeared to [Gideon], and said to him, 'The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor'!" (Judges 6:12)

You see all leaders have vision. But all people who possess vision are not leaders. A compelling vision alone will not make someone a leader. Nor will a great vision or change automatically be fulfilled simply because it is compelling or valuable. My Grand Mother often would say to me, “If we always do what we’ve always done, we’ll always get what we’ve always gotten. Don’t be like me, “set in your old ways of thinking”. Then she would laugh, Old mindset, old practices, old results by yourself. Be willing to grow with a new mindset, new practices, and new results using it with wisdom! "Don't sell me a dog" was her fancy way of saying "Don't lie to me."

Followers need to buy into the leaders.

Once Gideon possessed the vision for change to deliver Israel from its enemies, he still needed to get the people to buy into his leadership and plan. Even though the vision was ordained by God, it still required time and action from Gideon. Ultimately, so many people bought into Gideon's leadership so completely that God had to send a bunch of them home to make sure He got the glory for their victory.

Just because a person has vision for change and occupies a leadership position doesn't necessarily mean that the people will follow. Before they get on board, they have to buy in. And that doesn't happen in an instant. Buy-in is an ongoing process. With that keep in mind the parable of the lost sheep in Matt 18:12-35 when it comes to implementing change. We as Christian leaders who have bought in must have intentionally, showing we care for all the sheep even for those who resist, who are ignoring, are oblivious and are ready. If not we may lose those lose sheep and then I'm afraid that helps Satan.

Our relationship must be viewed positively as caring. God expects us to reach with the Gospel of Jesus Christ working side by side together with him. Let’s start with people we know who are ready. It is up to us to constantly have an eye on them and fine ways to reach others especially the undesirables.

So, what’s the answer? The answer to me can be found in the following vision/change recipe:

1. One of Cup of: Prayer 5 cups: Serving
2. two of cups of: Patience 6 cups: Understanding
3. three cups of: Ministry 7 cups: Sharing
4. four cups of: Passion 8 cups: love mixed with Caring

Mix well eternally, sprinkle with love and joy, then go and serve the Lord. Now that’s a clear vision of change! Thanks be to God! So how is Jesus messing with You?

God Bless You and This Ministry!