I have been thinking and praying a lot recently about what Jesus wants me to do right now with where our nation and world are. I have been reminded over and over that living my life in such a way as to leave a legacy for Jesus is counter-cultural and socially unacceptable, especially at this time in history. In the process I have come up with the following five W’s of how we, as followers of Jesus, must pray and rely on the Holy Spirit to stay strong and courageous in this way of living.
Remember… our role is only to point others to Jesus through these five W’s. It is God’s job to show up and let others see his glory. He always does his job perfectly!
Who? Everyone in your “world”. This includes your family, circle of friends, acquaintances and chance meetings. Every one of them could potentially need you to put them first at some time.
In a culture where the mantra is “do what is best for you” most people live their lives obsessed with “ME”. Living your life in a way that doesn’t put you first is hard for others to understand.
There is a simple children’s song that puts this in perspective for us.
Jesus and others and you, what a wonderful way to spell joy
Jesus and others and you, in the life of each girl and each boy
“J” is for Jesus for He has first place,
“O” is for others you meet face to face,
“Y” is for you, in whatever you do,
Put yourself third and spell JOY.
– Written by B. Metzger, 1951
What? Seeing the needs of those that are hurting around you and stepping into their lives to share yourself with them. We all live very busy lives and many times this seems too sacrificial in terms of time and energy. Our society is quick to see the needs of those who are less fortunate than them and rise up to help, which is wonderful… and we need to also. But living sacrificially often requires us to do things at inconvenient times that we really don’t want to do. It doesn’t always “feel good”.
Where? Wherever Jesus puts you… or sends you. For some this is full-time ministry locally or to the four-corners of the earth. However, for most of us… it is the everyday places we frequent where we cross paths with the lonely, broken person OR the coffee shop as our friend shares broken dreams and torn relationships OR the doctor’s office sitting next to a fellow patient who has received bad news.
When? Anytime is the simple answer. God says “be ready in season and out of season”. – II Timothy 4:2. The entire verse in the English Standard Version reads, “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.”
I just finished a conversation with a long-time friend who shared that her supervisor asked her to stay a few minutes after work today. It was a hard day and my friend wanted to head straight home but instead she found herself having to extend her day… and perhaps for some not so good news. To her surprise the supervisor asked how she stays so calm and cheerful in the face of some trying times in that business, our state and country. My friend was able to share that it is knowing and accepting that she cannot control these situations but God can and indeed IS in control that gives her peace and joy.
She was ready to speak at any time…and God used her! How exciting it is to be available and ready in season and out of season.
Why? As Christians, we know the answer well, but it is always good to remind each other.
“Since God has created us for His glory, we are to glorify God in all that we do with our lives. “Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31
BLESSINGS to each of you!
I
caringhansen 