Thursday, February 19, 2015

Live Intentionallly!

We live in a "leave me alone" culture. Nothing is anybody's business, and frankly, we kind of prefer that. That way, we feel justified in following our own pursuits and agendas.

The only problem is that this mentality is the polar opposite of the way God calls Christians to live. We are not our own, we have been bought at a precious price and, in that transaction, our personal rights were sold as well.

People are our business.

The Great Commission cannot ever be fulfilled if we excuse our way out of other people's business. Like a child who balks because her mama puts limits on her sugar intake, people don't know that a life without God  is not what's best for them. This is not to say we have no boundaries with those who are obnoxious in their resistance of the gospel, but most people haven't been given the chance to resist because we over-predict that they won't want to hear us out. What a cunning ploy of the enemy to deprive a blind soul of a chance to receive his sight!

What is a Christian to do?

Let us follow Apostle Paul as he followed Christ. He said to the Philippian believers,

 "Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." (Philippians 4:9)

If someone is to learn, teaching has to happen.
Receiving must be preceded by giving.
Hearing means someone is speaking.
Seeing  something in someone means spending enough time together so it can be seen. Sounds like relationship!

Forget all the highly structured methods of reaching people. Maybe that armor isn't the right size for you. Minister to people by teaching, giving, having conversation,  and relating dressed as yourself.

No perfection required, but you must do it on purpose or it won't happen.

Be yourself.
Be faithful.
Find a  way to involve yourself in lost people's lives.
Be intentional.

How about you? Do you struggle to be intentional in this area like I do? What helps you with that?

1 comment:

  1. Hey Georgia! I read your post today and it went hand in hand with the New Testament bible reading we are doing at church. Thanks for this word. It's nice to be given the freedom and permission to not share in a prescribed way. That has never really worked for me. Thanks for the encouragement and the email notifications. It's seems like the email is the best way for me to keep up! love ya!

    ReplyDelete