October 1st: Believers and Activists!

Just as “believers” are a dime a dozen in the church, so are “activists” in social justice circles nowadays. But lovers are hard to come by. And I think that’s what our world is desperately in need of—lovers, people who are building deep, genuine relationships with fellow strugglers along the say, and who actually know the faces of the people behind the issues they are concerned about. We are trying to raise up an army not simply of street activists but of lovers—a community of people who have fallen desperately in love with God and with suffering people, and who allow those relationships to disturb and transform them. - Shane Claiborne, Irresistible Revolution, 295-296

This year, I hope to encourage you to embrace your love for others with a heart of service. It’s important to understand the revolutionary love of Christ, and the irresistible revolution that he calls us to. He calls us to be lovers, to be transformed by the heart of Christ, and embrace it as our own. This grows progressively difficult as our lives get cluttered and the school year gets into full swing.

But Christ calls us to be a shining city on a hill. Matthew 5:16 urges us to let our lights shine and let our good works glorify God and encourage others to do likewise. It calls us to be lovers, to embrace Christ’s revolutionary heart of service and love, and strive to participate in the irresistible revolution ourselves.

There are number of opportunities coming up for us to be able to develop this heart of service. In late October, an event called Step Into Africa is coming to Christ Church in Otsego with a youth night on October 24 at Alliance Church. In November, we have Revamp for senior high students, and later in the month, we will be collecting for and serving at Operation Christmas Child. We are to be living examples of making Matthew 5:16 a verb (something we do).

This is something I care a lot about, really trying to BE the church and live compassionately and with intention. I encourage you to embrace Christ’s heart for loving people and allow it to affect you and what you’re passionate about.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your father in heaven. –Matthew 5:16

(photo courtesy of Jeff Dokmo; www.jeffdokmophotography.com)

September 1st: Kickin’ it Old School!

Back to school means so many things to so many people. Some might not like going back to school because it means summer is officially over. Others may think it’s a nice change of pace and a great chance to see friends again. Those of us who are bookworms are eager to learn new things and go new places this school year. No matter what you chalk it up to, it’s a time and season of change.

And as the season changes, I encourage you to maybe try new things. No longer do you need to conform to the “old school” system of things; you can change this year and make sure that you’re focusing on living a life that glorifies Christ. As you make changes, meet new friends, and tackle your homework, and participate in sports and extracurricular activities, make sure that you’re challenging yourself to commit to your beliefs as a Christian.

Paul says, in Romans 12:2, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” What a great challenge for us during this season of change; what a great opportunity to try something different than kickin’ it old school.

I challenge you to kick old school outta the way and use the talents and gifts God’s blessed you with to rock out during this new season/school year.

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