Maybe I am Not Ready Yet…!

            This week I came across the following personal confession of a Christian writer: “Maybe I am not ready yet to suffer for the Kingdom of God. My heart is too impure, my soul too divided, my love too fragile.”

            Suffering for the kingdom of God is something we would rather not think about. But recent news events have forced the thoughts upon us. For too long, perhaps, we have tried to separate any form of suffering being related to faithfulness in the kingdom. Especially if we are thinking about undeserved suffering.

            But in the quote above we are made aware that perhaps it is our heart, soul and love that are not ready for this level of acceptance and commitment. It is a topic that is touched on in Scripture. In fact, nearly 150 times it is mentioned by various biblical writers.

            Perhaps the one Scripture passage that hits home on this topic is the following one in the Book of Revelation:

            “Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown” (Revelation 2:10).

          The apostle John, while in exile on Patmos, is instructed to write this message to the angel of the church in Smyrna. He begins by counseling his readers from that city to not be afraid of what they are about to suffer. That gets at the heart of it all. We who are Christians must daily ask God, Christ and the Spirit to strengthen our faith and not let any kind of fear to debilitate us.

            Spiritual persecution is pictured by John as the devil putting some of them in prison to test them. They are counseled to be faithful, even to the point of death. As a direct result of that faithfulness, a victor’s crown will be given them in the form of eternal life with God—a present and future presence with Sovereign God.

            Are we ready yet to suffer for the Kingdom of God? Christians in other parts of the world already are suffering at the point of giving their lives. May our hearts be made more pure, our souls more undivided in our commitment, and our love stronger so that when the time comes we will be ready to lay our lives down for our brothers and sisters in Christ, and for the kingdom of God!

In Christian love, Curtis

Refresh with Encouraged Hearts

Paul’s letter to Philemon is short, but power-packed! Not only does Paul transform the master-slave relationship, but he also demonstrates a very personal dimension of the Christian faith that has amazing ramifications for Christian leadership.

            It is crucial that the hearts of the Lord’s people are refreshed (Philemon 7). What does this mean?

It is used in Mark’s gospel when Jesus invites his apostles to come away with him to a quiet place and receive refreshment of food and rest (Mark 6:31). In Matthew’s gospel it is part of Jesus’ great invitation: “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you refreshment/rest”(Matthew 11:28). The apostle Paul reveals to the Corinthian church how much he was encouraged to see how happy Titus was because his spirit had been refreshed by that church (2 Corinthians 7:13). Finally, Paul issues a challenge to Philemon to refresh his heart again, knowing that he will go above and beyond what is expected, being confident of Philemon’s obedience (Philemon 20, 21).Being spiritually, emotionally, and mentally refreshed is the direct result of encouragement!

·        Sometimes we need to find a quiet place to get away from the rat race for food and rest.
·        Sometimes we need to come to Jesus as we answer his great invitation.
·        Sometimes we are encouraged just by seeing how others are refreshed!
·        Sometimes our hearts are refreshed just by watching how others love, obey, and go above and beyond the call of duty!

         Think of how all of this is crucial for the ongoing dynamic of vital Christian leadership and servanthood. As leaders we need to care for ourselves and make sure that we teach and lead from a quiet place. Henri Nouwen calls it the “quiet stream underneath.” Only when that stream is fed by the Spirit of the living God can those waters be fresh and invigorating. Leading and serving from a “quiet place” allows us to not be in a “knee-jerk reaction” mode, rather we prayerfully anticipate and discerningly respond.

        As leaders we personally understand Jesus’ invitation to come to Him when we are weak and burdened. Serving and leading takes a lot out of the caring Christian leader. Jesus’ yoke is easy because it is not tied to something unhealthy or destructive. Jesus’ burden is light because He helps shoulder the load. He does not put His thumb down on us as a means of control and manipulation.

        As leaders we are encouraged when we see others being refreshed and revitalized in their own calling. Encouragement is infectious! It is gives us great joy to see others encouraged.

        Finally, as leaders we are ourselves encouraged when we see living and practical examples of brothers and sisters in Christ joyfully going above and beyond the call of duty. Just this afternoon, as I am writing this, someone came into my office and described themselves as “church caulk.” What a wonderful concept! They are willing to fill in the chinks and cracks where and when any situation arises where a volunteer is needed. “Church caulk” only happens when a person is willing to be dispensed by the heart of Jesus!

        Let us encourage one another so that we, too, can enjoy the benefits and blessings of being refreshed. Freshness of soul and encouragement of spirit is like a magnet to the weary. May God give us the wisdom and His Spirit to take this seriously!

In Christian love, Curtis

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