Being Intentional For Christ

 

        Our world is much divided, and contention is found on every corner.  Opinions run strong on the political front and surveys are suggesting that the number of Believers throughout the land are diminishing greatly.  I suspect Satan dances with glee about this circumstance, even knowing this is another sign of the ‘end times.’  Yet, this also provides us, as Believers, the opportunity to move forward with confidence to reach out to those who are having doubts about the love of God.

How do we ‘get there’ though?  How can we focus on spreading the Gospel when there is so much animosity between political groups doing their best to be dominant, and particularly against Believers in Christ?  One answer to this came from a church-planter who said “the key to growing a successful church is to remain focused on Jesus’ command to love God and love one another and his instruction to make disciples.”

Even with this mindset the question can still be asked, ‘Yes, but how?’  In a word, I suggest, be “intentional!”  Being deliberate about meeting new people, whether in restaurants, at community events, in our schools (regardless of the grade level), in the grocery store or other shopping venue, at the movies and any place we find ourselves provides a unique opportunity to share our personal story about our relationship with Christ.  

Sharing our story doesn’t have to be ‘I’ve gotta get this person saved.  It’s my responsibility to preach to them--and then promptly beat them over the head with the Bible!’  —-  Sharing a kindness and a genuine interest in someone else is the place to begin.  Then it’s about sharing what God has done in your personal life.  How has He made a difference?  Where have you seen Him move?  What was the changing point for you? Where were you (in life) when you gave God control?  Any of these questions during (or to start) a conversation can be the changing point in another person’s life!  

I’m not suggesting that sharing our story is necessarily easy, but by focusing on a single person at a time, we can be an opportunity for someone else to ‘see God.’  The way to prepare each of us to be able to do this comfortably, is by spending time with other Believers.  

One church, with which I’m familiar, takes this idea to a greater degree than any other I’ve ever seen, although I doubt it's unique!  Their idea for training includes attaching one to three different adults to a single youth.  Each boy is designated men of God mentors, while the girls are assigned strong female mentors.

These adults meet with the youth during the week at different times.  (Not necessarily all at once, but just the youth and at least one adult.)  They have a conversation about what is going in the teen's life and then discuss what the Bible says about it.  When is the last time you shared your faith with a young person, specifically about a situation going on in that youth's life--one on one?  

While this isn’t the only way to be intentional, it’s an idea.  Perhaps as we extend our love and kindness beyond our comfort zone, blessings of love, joy, peace and God's eternal mercy, in every area of our lives, God will shine and, others will see our faith live within us.  It’s in this place our faith will grow, other people’s lives will be changed, and our churches will become strong with genuineness that can’t be missed when a stranger walks through the doors.

Focus On The Moment

 

       There is so much going on in my world at the moment and sleeping soundly (and ultimately well) has been challenging!  I was trying to figure out what my issue was and my husband suggested maybe it’s just that I have so much on my mind.  Perhaps he’s right; I just know I’m ready for a good night’s sleep!

       A friend was talking about being in a similar situation, only being wide awake and in the company of others while his mind was in a dozen other places.  It takes the joy out of whatever is going on right at that moment and makes a body wonder what is going on around him, while their own mind is scattered all over the place!

       Jesus had focus!  There are plenty of places in the Bible where is specifically says, “Jesus looked.” or “Jesus saw.”   Regardless of how many people swarmed around him, he could recognize the need of a signal person and need.

       We live in a world of political upheaval, discord and even violent discontent.  People have become wrapped up on what the leaders are doing in our country and have lost their focus on the Leader of our lives!  We are pressured to make decisions and accept events and ‘positions’ with which we disagree.  It causes us to try to make sense of what’s happening in our community, our nation and even across the world.

       Are these the distractions God wants for our lives?  Does this not cause us to lose sight of those people who need our love, friendship and help within our neighborhoods and even in within our church families.  Can we look past the distractions to enable us to witness to those who are lost, alone and in the great need of Christ?  How many opportunities are we missing by losing focus on the moment right where we are? Is it difficult for God to use us when our minds on everything but him?  

       It’s reassuring to know that God is always present and faithful.  He loves us and cares about our lives and everything we are going through.  I’m glad that when I am feeling ‘lost’ in this world with all its noise and distractions, emotions of rage, envy, discontent, greed and those who lust for power, I can meet with God, my Creator and Savior, I can find peace that passes all understanding.

       I can pick my self up, shake off the dust of the pressures of the world and move forward as I focus on the here and now—-in this very moment, in the presence of the Lord and know that God is with me.  When I meet with Him, he will sustain me if I ask him.