Let's not call this a devotional. This truly is a writing of thoughts and meditations that have been building in my head. The focus is a developing one, but I believe that a clear vision is on its way. If you want to label this post, label it a call to arms.
Look around you. Our world is on the verge of power shift and colossal change. Developing nations run by tyrannical egoists are waving their nuclear manhood for everyone to see and fear. Meanwhile, the last of the superpowers is seeing a "fundamental transformation" that the citizens aren't in favor of. Even more personal, the family as it was created is dissolving and has melted into a liquid form, taking the shape of any who would have it, rather than shaping that person.
Some are looking for some great person to stop this change. These people look to presidents, prophets, authors, gurus, and talking heads to lead them to solid ground. Still others hope a regime or government will supply all they need. Another group turns to religion and organization to right the wrongs in their lives, personal or collective. None of these things will change the world effectively. The will only lead us to what they want, touting their own agendas and hoping we won't notice.
If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, I pose a call to you. You probably attend a church. You might even serve in a major role there. Don't give that up. Instead, I ask you to not let that church be your guiding light. Trust and love and support your pastors and leaders, but remember that they are only men. Encourage your church to do the same, and remember that we are all a "priesthood of believers." Though our gifts vary, we are part of the same function, the same body, the body of Christ. This is literal. Jesus has chosen us, that is you and me, to be his method of expression in this world. Sure we screw up, but that is where His power is made perfect and his grace and mercy heal. My call is for us to truly let Jesus be the head of the church. That means he is the head of your life. He is the head of your household, your family, your workplace.
I don't know what that looks like; I don't believe we have seen such a thing in our lifetime. What I know, though, from Scriptural accounts and church history is that it is the only way that TRUE fundamental transformation will occur. Sadly, we may not see positive effects in our government, in our global community even, but we will see our small communities and our churches changed.
There is a fire that is burning in me. It is a zealous passion to see Christ as our King, yet I cannot even get myself there. I think that it is up to the CHURCH, not churches, to make Christ known by the way we live, not by our programs or our rallies or our books. We must love and love without fear. I will steal a quote from Glenn Beck here: question with boldness, hold to the truth and speak without fear. Jesus did this. The status
quo, those who would manipulate and use others, liars and cheaters: these people were questioned by Jesus. When they turned back against him, he held to the Truth, and he was never afraid to tell the Truth.
This is why they were so amazed, saying he spoke with authority. Whatever fear he could have had was driven out by the perfect love he received from his Father and the perfect love he gave to his creation. WE HAVE THAT LOVE!!! He has given it to us! We have it twofold, because our Father has given it to us as well!! Whom shall we fear!!! Not even death can keep us from His loving embrace. His power shall be seen, his glory revealed!!! Will the rocks be the ones who get to shout his name because we cannot live and breathe his mission?!?
Rise up and let your life be seen. Focus on the Truth which is Jesus. He told us so. Love without fear and let go of earthly things. This will change the world. I challenge and I call you to this. Join me. Let us hold on another accountable and walk arm in arm, swords raised and brandishing the love of Christ.
I will write more on this as it formulates. Please share your ideas on how we can do this together without creating another man made organization, but letting Christ guide our thoughts and actions.
