The world is in a precarious position. I don’t think it takes rocket science to figure out that chaos is abounding, disorder is the order of the day and mankind is oblivious to the collision course we are on with certain destiny.
Pretty deep opening statement; but true nonetheless.
A few years ago on Easter Sunday during the meeting, we watched a video clip encompassing the life and death of Jesus Christ. It was one of those 3 minute clips that sent shivers down your spine, and raised the hair on your arms. I began surfing through Youtube desperately trying to find it without success. But I came across a clip that struck a chord with me and wanted to share it with you.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XK1xpKRWyQ]
Don’t get me wrong. I am pretty certain this post will draw negative feedback from my peers, but all the same, if truth be told, the church today is found lacking in her authenticity to be as effective, if not more so than the former church during not only the time when Christ walked the earth, but after his ascension and outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
There has to be more; something I have always stood by and believed is the greater impact any of us can have is to be authentic in our conviction and service to the Lord around those of our family, friends and loved ones…that infamous “circle of influence”. To be authentic, know who we are, what our purpose is and how best to distinguish between right and wrong, and not shy away from proclaiming our standard, the standard by which we were called through Christ’s death on the cross, to live in such a way that we impact, influence and embrace changed lives around us.
Seems a daunting and unrealistic task. But is it really? I don’t think so. If we personalize this post, then it might make better sense. For example; if I were to start standing up for the very reason why I am a Christian, why I believe what I believe, and don’t back down when confronted on issues of faith from within my “circle of influence” perhaps I would have one of two effects. Either I would drive people out of that circle, or draw them closer. It means for the most part stepping out of my comfort zone, where it has become far easier to keep quiet, to smile politely, to look the other way, to back down from speaking the truth, to avoid judging another, and basically to just keep the peace! And that is how we have become insignificant to a large extent. What if I had the courage to speak up, to share my conviction, to be ready in and out of season as it were, to give an account as to why I believe in Christ as my personal Lord and Savior, to live an authentically replicate life of Christ not only in what I say but in what I do…don’t you think that would have an effect let alone an impact on the lives I come into contact with?
Could the same not be true of you? We need a challenge. We must somehow return to the place where we are not ashamed of the gospel, neither do we back down for the sake of keeping the status quo. We live in times that could certainly see the return of an amazing revival, and it starts with you and me, in our every day lives, at the store, the office and workplace, the gym, the beach, the trail, parking lot…the possibilities and opportunities are endless in as much as starting to make a difference, seizing every possible opportunity to be an authentic follower of the Lord, and to let our proverbial lights ‘shine’.
As I listened to the above clip, I found myself agreeing 100% with the narrator, guilty of the same, and desirous of change. Imagine what an impact the modern-day church would have if we all began in the smallest ways to make positive changes around us, that fragrance would be contagious and people would begin to want and desire for the same change to take place in their lives, and the church once again would become effective.
Is it possible? YES! But not until we see the reality and state of our own hearts can any meaningful change take place. I find myself lacking, being in want of change, and know that as we celebrate Easter this weekend, there is room at the cross. Yes Jesus is risen, not only is He seated at the right hand of the Father, but He has made it possible for each of us to welcome Him into our daily lives through the gift of the Holy Spirit…and He is the conduit that will bring revival back to our hearts, our families, loved ones, communities and nations at large.
We have the ability to change, to turn the world upside down…what are we waiting for?
