In too many ways, I am still in denial. It cannot be the start of a New Year, I cannot be facing yet another year, and I must not be on an impossible mission! The facts are simple. Today begins a new year, we are all facing the future together, and I do have a specific mission. You do to!
Paul faced a similar set of questions with the church in Rome. He stated our reality and potential in plain simple words. “I, Paul, am a devoted slave of Jesus Christ on assignment, authorized as an apostle to proclaim God’s words and acts. I write this letter to all the Christians in Rome, God’s friends.” (Romans 1.1)
First, our reality: we are all devoted slaves to some god. I know my god is often self-glory; at other times, I look to material things and status. Whatever god we link ourselves with, we automatically become authorized representatives to people around us.
The second reality is that we are God’s friends. We cannot do much about this since God chose us as friends. We can decide that we do not want the friendship and end it. Unless we say no consistently with passionate conviction, we are in God’s friendship network.
Third, our lives are billboards for the values we hold dear. Everything we do; words we say, steps we take, decisions, and reactions to life expresses our statement of faith to the world. We are on assignment when we take a breath, if only we realized just how many people look to us.
Our potential is beyond comprehension! We know our weak points and failings, so does God. God expresses His confidence in us by making His grace available now and in the future, no matter what we can do. Accepting this gift, really accepting the reality of God’s gift into the core of our souls, unleashes God’s Spirit in realizing our full and complete potential. The launch is often slow and imperceptible – but oh so real.
The mission is open and waiting. God will never leave you!
