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Let’s consider the power of the seed, and its need to yield before the seed can sprout. Rather than shoring up defenses or doubling down on commitments of the past, we should instead “perceive” what the Lord is doing in this time of great change and lean into it to more effectively participate in the mission of God.
This post continues with a theme about listening to and learning from one another. The proverb quoted reveals this as key to a community thriving. It is in our interactions with one another, because of (rather than in spite of) our diverse perspectives, that we grow—if we seek to truly understand each other.
We are being buffeted by numerous tense social issues in these days of great uncertainty and we can be tempted to take a position on one side over against another. Leaders need to listen widely and appreciate all angles of an issue. Such nuance is sorely needed in an increasingly polarised and divided world.
Much hope is being invested in new technology to advance causes today. With social media noted as a key vote deciders we can too easily forget the basics. Networked relationships remain the most important factor in influence.
It is all too popular thinking these days that we can manifest God’s love simply by loving each other better and “doing good” in the world, following the example of Jesus. But Christ as exemplar is not enough. Christ must become Lord.
The very concept of ‘team’ frames the problem of tension in missions. Teams exist to achieve common goals, usually in competition with others. It is a modern-industrial invention applied to missions, not a Biblical principle.
Us older ones think we ought to be teaching the younger ones about mission, and to an extent we should, but maybe God is revealing new methods through youth movements, as the Holy Spirit has done throughout history.
We too often prefer to be men and women of will-filled action, setting and pursuing grand goals. Rarely do we “wait upon the Lord”. We forget to obey what God has already told us: wait, trust, be ready to move.
The calm *after* the storm speaks to me of the transformative potential of hardship and the importance of healthy, close, and connected relationships to ensure that positive transformation develops.
Listening to migrants share their testimonies of Jesus, my mind wandered to tales of forced migrations and the challenge refugees face in their odyssey to find a new home. How can we help *others* find their true home?
Walking backwards into the future describes the fact that as we walk into the future we should see (and learn from) the past. As missions seek to navigate rough waters, what should we learn from (and leave in) the past?
Do we minister at ‘arms length’, in condescending fashion, rather than fully engaged, as Jesus was? Do we fear being tainted by those we are ministering to (or alongside)? It’s time we let perfect love drive out fear.