Intentional
“Projects”
Have you ever been sitting in church and the pastor states: “write down three names on this sheet of paper or on this rock”? Yes, I was raised Baptist. Then the pastor proceeds to explain how to carry these said names with you so that you can be reminded to pray over those individuals. These are the people that Christ has placed in your path. With this in mind, how can we stop turning these names into “our” projects? I have had to remind myself of the simple fact that they are; in fact, people. That’s it. just people.
Sheltered
Just as you and I venture through our daily struggles, these names are not necessarily placed into a different “category” on our Christian checklist. Yes, as Christ followers we are expected to live a lifestyle that of which is held to a higher standard. A lifestyle meant to model Christ. Inspire others. There’s no better way to phrase it except to state the obvious. It can be awkward. You will, at one time or another, be placed right in the middle the nitty gritty. Whether it be politics, religion, current events, ect. It will be outside of your bubble. Or as I like to phrase it, outside of that *sheltered life. This is where we can have the most influence friends. Let’s put a stop to this “sheltered” thing being a burden.
Freedom
It is okay to agree to disagree. In a world full of differences, let’s stop building up walls around ourselves. Overlooking opportunity. Personally, I struggle with avoiding confrontation. I seek to deescalate when I could be more like Christ. In these little moments, we fight to listen to what the Spirit is calling us to do. Recently, I was reminded of one of my favorite passages. In Ephesians 2: Made Alive in Christ, He shares with us: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Meditate on these words friends. Listen to what he is trying to tell you. Let Him in. It is as easy as that. By accepting this freedom He offers, we can be made new. You will start to look at life differently. Less missed opportunity and more gain. Not for personal gain but gain for the sake of others. The others will become easier to talk to. God will continue to place these individuals in your path. Let Him in and let him finish what He has already started in you dear friends.You have not been placed in your present circumstances by mistake. You are not an afterthought.
Sum Sum
To sum up, what does this look like once we make this transition. Take the time to slow down. Take the time to be intentional. Be present in your relationships. It is easy to get tied up in the business of life, forgetting what Christ has already called us to do. What he has called you to do: your earthly mission. As I mentioned in my first entry, He ALWAYS welcomes us back with open arms. Come to Him, if you feel weary or heavy burdened and he will give you rest. Again, this life is impossible alone. Surround yourself in community that can pray with you and for the people you have and will continue to encounter. Take a step back and realize how much He has already done.
- Hope this was comforting friends! Have a great week. Pray. Be intentional.
