Focusing too early on what I think they should do can actually rob them of the creative thinking and self-discovery they actually need.
One of my life’s great passions is seeing others unleashed for the mission of God. I find great joy in to helping other Christians engage in the lives of the lost, leading them to discipleship in Jesus. I don’t want to see this just in a traditional evangelical sense, but also to see them discover the uniqueness of who God created them to be, use whatever they are good at, and recognize themselves as a distinctive fit into God’s great plan of reconciling the world to Himself.
I have to admit that in my enthusiasm to inspire others for mission, I can give people a bunch of do’s too quickly if I’m not careful. Focusing too early on what I think they should do can actually rob them of the creative thinking and self-discovery that they actually need. Now, it’s true—as followers of Jesus we are all called to be actively involved in God’s mission to the world, but I believe involvement needs to flow from our unique understanding of self and the core beliefs of who we are. I have found that focusing on the who before the do has been quite helpful in mobilizing others effectively. Once we get a fuller grasp of who we are in Christ and an understanding that He can use our very own uniqueness for His mission, the creative things we are compelled to do for Him become much clearer . . . and much more natural.
This approach really equips people for mobilization on a mission that lasts. It lasts because we are operating out of our natural God-given ability. It lasts because we have ownership of our particular part in God’s mission. It lasts because we can be working in an area of great interest and passion. Calling can simply be described as place where our greatest passions meet the world’s deepest needs. Let’s be those that help to unleash others into their unique, God-given calling, leading them to discover a calling that stems from who they are and what they love to do as an avenue to reconcile others to God. With this view the opportunities for mission become limitless!
What about you: Do you find yourself focusing more on the who or the do?
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