Do I live like Christ?

Do I live as if I had nothing to lose and everything to gain in Christ?

One area I particularly struggle in is why God doesn't always grow InterVarsity chapters or churches. Isn't that exactly what God called us to: to make disciples of all nations? Why would he wait? Why would he not bring thousands to him everyday? 

Why do missionaries die without ever reaching their mission field? Why do InterVarsity staff go months without funding to do God's work? 

I don't know: but we follow in the footsteps of Jesus who had all power, authority, wisdom and righteousness? He could have made all people bow to him, he could have convinced every single person to follow him. But instead Jesus humbled himself to serve and not demand or force anyone to follow. Jesus greatest act was foolishness to the world: he died for us on a cross.

And he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.” And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” (Mark 14:34-36 ESV)

Gods victory will come not with human might but with God's power.

But before then God gently and truthfully and humbly loves us inviting us to repent and believe in him.

But he remained silent and made no answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” And Jesus said, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.” (Mark 14:61, 62 ESV)

All of Jesus apostles deserted him and one betrayed him. By every worldly measure he failed and yet his victory was to come through death and resurrection. And so to was the faith of the first Christians to come not through power but through failure. Peter denied Jesus 3 times and went home to go fishing when Jesus was captured. But God humbled Peter and he came to believe and serve humbly. I think Peter learned from the time he thought he should call destruction down on cities through his experience that God wants him to serve and love and invite all to repentance and not to demand it. And Peter went on to die for Christ. God continues to work not through forcing people or through power but rather sacrificial humble service in love inviting people to him.

And so I want to live as if I had nothing to lose and everything to gain in Christ. In the ministry I lead I want to not be on high demanding but low and serving and willing to die for Gods people and for sinners that they might be with him.

I trust that your plans are better than mine. And so I walk and live and do ministry as Jesus did. Holy Spirit guide me!

Amen