I am fortunate to have some good friends who speak truth to my heart. They speak truth when I am seeking direction, feeling anxious, needing perspective or simply just need a spiritual “kick in the pants.” You know exactly what I mean, don’t you? There are three or four questions that always provide the kick I need.
- As someone who trusts God, reads God’s Word and follows Jesus, who and whose are you?
- What are you really passionate about?
- What really matters?
- What about ten years from now?
Ouch. Ten years from now, will it matter? The capacity to think and act strategically demands the ten years from now perspective. The question keeps all the wallowing in the present with likes and dislikes in perspective
Paul, Peter, John, James all deal with the “kick in the pants” questions in some form. Each of them were involved in and writing to communities of faith–real people who needed to think and act beyond themselves and for the sake of others. Each of them had their “last words” to believers about spiritual identity, how to think and act in light of God, the Gospel, the Spirit in them, and most importantly, God’s mission of redemption of all things and THE END. In other words, it was the ten years and beyond stuff.
At this time in our congregation’s history, we are compelled to think and act with the ten years from now perspective. Strategic thinking goes beyond our feelings. It takes faith and courage. It is hard work. It involves change. But with God’s people, change and adventure is the norm. Or is it? Ten years from now will tell. It’s bigger than you and me. It’s more important than now. Hold to Christ. Be flexible. Serve others.
P.S. I am in transition from So Mac Church of Christ, Irving, TX to Mansfield, TX. Last Sunday is August 15.