Right now, we are living in some of the most tumultuous times with a virus that has virtually brought life to a screeching halt and racial tension polarizing so many. The temptation is to pull back and seek safety from all the controversy and conflict. In Made for More we are reminded, “The role of the local church is to be the mobilizing home base. This empowers all disciples to discover their personal calling and then deploy them to express the fullness of Jesus into every corner of culture and into every sphere of society.” Are you expressing the fullness of Jesus?
This is not the time to retreat but to relish this opportunity to represent Christ well by loving well. The local church is made up of the people of God, saved by the power of God, for the purposes of God. As we strive to be full of grace and truth (John 1:14) we must stand for truth while not forgetting grace and we must practice grace while not ignoring truth. Truth without grace becomes lifeless legalism and grace without truth leads to presumptuous pursuits. Orthodoxy in isolation always degenerates to a lifeless debate with little if any action.
Jesus Christ, is in fact the King of the Kingdom, the Head of His church, and is marshaling faith-followers to accomplish His eternal redemptive purpose on earth. We are not to be a light hid on a hill but rather lights in the midst of our communities and cities. What is God’s vision for your church in your community at this time? What does God desire to do through your congregation to show the love of Christ and present the life-changing truth of the Gospel? Remember, this is not the time to retreat but rather to embrace this opportunity to be shine brightly.
How can you maximize Great Commission vitality through spiritual renewal and strategic initiatives at this time in your community through your church? I Peter 1:13-14, “ Therefore, with your minds ready for action, be serious and set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires of your former ignorance.” Peter wrote to believers who were experiencing extreme persecution and yet He challenges them to passionately follow Christ and to not retreat.
Peter offers a call to action where we are to prepare our minds by making sure we not only have the right doctrine but also the right mind-set with the right attitude. This call to action requires staying on your toes spiritually because it has never been more difficult to navigate the cultural waters of our time correctly both doctrinally and relationally. We can be right in our position but wrong in our deliverance and defense of that position. The temptation when under pressure is to scream exaggerations back at the other side.
Peter reminds us to look forward to the revelation of Jesus Christ. We must prepare for this race with the long view in mind. Paul told the believers in Philippi to press towards the prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus. This is not the time to retreat but rather to relish this opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Have you ever had a dog that did not understand a leash? They continued to pull and press forward no matter how hard you tried to pull back. While the Devil hopes we will pull back we need to continue to represent our Lord well.
Peter then admonishes these scattered persecuted Christians to continue to be obedient children. When we realize who we are in Christ we then look forward to one day hearing, “Well done my faithful servant.” The difference in our lives will be an unwavering obedience to the commands and teachings of our King. We are not to be conformed or fashioned to the patterns, purposes, priorities, or pathways of this world. We are instead called to be different in our hearts that changes our attitudes and our mindsets. This is not the time to retreat!
Peter goes on to present to these believers the alternative to conformity, which is holiness. There is no attribute of God more significant than holiness. The Old and New Testaments speak more about His holiness than any other attribute. Holiness is defined as being separate, different, and distinct. Yes, it is running away from the sins and evil of this world (II Corinthians 6:17) but more importantly it is being separated to a cause and way of life. Paul said that he was separated unto the gospel of Jesus Christ (Romans 1:1). Paul did not retreat from that calling.
Holiness is not just what you are running from but Who you are running to. Unfortunately, we have heard some Christians ask how come all of the fun stuff is wrong. If we really have our eyes on Christ and are pursuing Him with our entire life then we do not miss those things we ran away from. Why would we want to go back to those things when we see the beauty, love, and majesty of a risen Savior? Just remember, this is not the time to retreat but rather reflect Jesus Christ in every area of our lives.
As we approach tumultuous times we must continually ask, “What will bring God the most glory?” God will not do through you what you will not allow Him to do in you. Allow me to close with a quote I used at the end of last weeks article. James MacDonald said it so well; “Only the glory of Jesus Christ manifest will take you to the finish line and leave you accelerating as you break the tape into eternity.”