Pushing On, Taking Risks to Transform Lives
Pushing On, Taking Risks to Transform Lives
“So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith.”
—Galatians 6:9–10 The Message
I AM TIRED! Any “leader” in our church, who is engaged in the life of our church, might be tired, also. Coming out of Holy Week, this is time when many of us need to catch our collective breath. Doing the real work of transformation, or “doing good,”is exhausting, because we are out in our communities modeling what it means to be truly Christ-like. We, agents of transformation, are going where Jesus went . . . around the “ain’ts” that Jesus went . . . loving and living hard enough to make a change. At least that’s what we should be doing, and yes, this is hard work!
Unfortunately, I see some who will not do the hard work for a myriad of reasons. Whether it is because of the rejection by those whom we are called to love; or because of the past failures in evangelistic efforts; or being just plain tired because “I seem to be the only one doing the work.” Some of us choose to avoid the hard work . . . thus, doing no good. And, make no mistake, our church is in a tenuous place where, if we choose not to do good, we have in fact done harm to our sisters and brothers inside and outside the church!
If someone has failed to pick up what’s being put down, please allow me to make it plain: We will not “make disciples” if we stay in the same safe place . . . doing the same safe thing . . . in the same safe way!
With this stark reality staring us in the face, I would offer an alternative perspective that right now is the time for us to push on . . . push up . . . and push through! We may be tired (we should be tired!), but right now is our kairos moment for doing good!
Now is the time to take the fire of Resurrection Sunday out into the world proclaiming the life-changing, soul-saving Good News of Jesus Christ! Think about it . . . if God gave God’s best (and God did!), why would we want to give less than our best . . .every time we get the chance?My prayer is for a reviving transformation within the church that manifests in a transformative experience of renewal outside the church. What about you?
