Stop demanding the world bow to you
Life is good, isn't it? We can have everything at the click of a button. Our every need is at arm’s reach. Comfort is easily attainable for most of us. And once we get it, we build bigger walls, install more security systems, hoard up our treasure for ourselves, and work harder to ensure we never lose the comforts we've come to mistake as rights.
Jesus is calling us as a church to step into our calling, and to step out of our comfort zone.
Tear down walls
We are to tear down walls, remove the barriers that keep people from Jesus, and start fulfilling our destiny. This is the only way we will live life to the fullest.
In John 10:10, Jesus says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
Your happiness and peace rest in fulfilling God’s call on your life. But here’s the next part of that truth. Your life isn’t about you. It’s bigger than you.
John 10:11 goes on to describe Jesus as the good shepherd, one who would lay down his life to protect you.
Ask yourself. Are you living a life worthy of that sacrifice? And then remember you aren’t the only sheep in that story. Jesus laid down his life for the person to your right and your left, and every other one as well.
Build a bigger table
Jesus didn’t save humanity by sitting on his couch, reading the Torah and binge-watching the Bible on Netflix. Get off your butt and engage with culture. Engage with the sick and the weary. Engage with the people whom Jesus died to save. And in case you are wondering, that’s everyone. No exceptions.
Start inviting people to sit at your dining room table. Welcome the religious, political, social, and sexual outcasts into your homes. Serve the people who make you uncomfortable.
Stop moving away from people who look, speak and act differently. Engage with the people you’ve spent your entire life moving away from.
Speak up and be the voice for those that don't have a voice. Like you, they were made in the image of God. Like you, they have a right to be heard. But before they can be heard, we have to stop demanding that our voice matters more.
It’s time to let go of selfishness and start living lives that imitate Jesus. If we are going to impact our culture for Christ, we must learn to sacrifice self.
Are you willing to step out of your comfort zone church? Are you willing to give up your own selfish desires to serve others?