I have for some weeks now attempted to compile all my blog entries into the form of a devotional booklet, one that would challenge future readers and add value to the present transformation necessary within the American Church. Now over one year into this e-journal process, this has been a gift to me in that I have both had the means of expressing what the Lord was doing in my own life, as well as personal accountability, given that some few others would occasionally read my writings. It is now time to wrap that gift, that is, to bring to a close this season in my life.
The older I get the more I marvel at what happens in one’s flesh and spirit as year upon year of life experience increases the data with which one can make decisions, and yet, that enlarged base of information offers no assurance as to the wisdom of one’s decisions. It all about grace and pressing on!
This morning I read from Colossians chapter one and was captured by Paul’s last paragraph:
“We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.” ( 1:28 NIV-UK)
Here, an elder Paul again reveals his mature mission, his larger than life vision, and the source of His strength; along with, an inside to his own sense of personal struggle.
First and foremost, mission. “We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom…,” which has also been a life mission of my own. Early on in my Christian life, I found great joy from teaching in local churches, now for over 35 years.
The vision, “that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.” That’s huge, but that is what the Lord of hope places inside each of his servants, that none should perish, rather that all should have everlasting life.
The struggle, yes both struggle and labor, even driven-ness, if one does not learn to access “His energy”; allowing that energy, as Paul recommends, to work powerfully within him.
Mission, vision and divine empowerment are the privileges of the called. With that privilege however comes a grave responsibility, and that is my most dreadful struggle. Have I accomplished all that I have seen as possible in this life, hardly? The gift of vision is both good and bad! Have I often struggled in my own strength, certainly? Vision fuels the body and accelerates the mind. Were there moments of mission drift, my calling diverted by selfish and foolish ambition? I would not be confessing if there was not a sense of His prompting.
The need for grace only enlarges with maturity. Thanks for your time and encouragement.