By David Lee, BCM/D Executive Director
How does a Christian navigate this crazy, mixed-up world? We are not the first generation of God’s people to ask such a question. The Psalmist posed the same question in different words in a different millenium. “When the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (Psalm 11:3) So what can we do in this world that is changing daily, especially when we recognize that not all of these changes are for the good?
We start with us. The Psalmist continues in 11:4, “The Lord is in His holy temple; the Lord’s throne is in heaven. His eyes watch; He examines everyone.” I am quickly discovering that I can do little about many of the things that I see happening around me.
What I am learning, however, is that with God’s help I can do something about me!
I remember a pastor in revival preparation calling on each member of the church to draw a circle in the middle of a room. When complete, he challenged them to step inside that circle and begin praying that God would bring revival inside that circle.
The single most important thing we can do in the midst of our day is to ask God to do a work in us. We need to allow His Holy Spirit to guide us in our choices. The way we live must reflect our walk with Him.
At the end of the day the early believers, described in the Revelation, won their day by the “blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony, for they did not love their lives in the face of death” (Rev. 12:11).
God may choose to send to us a “Gideon” or an “Isaiah” as He did in Old Testament days. He may send another “Paul” to be a movement leader for us. Or He may do as He has done through much of history–continue to do his work through one believer at a time. If I am to be a part of that, certain things need to happen in my life.
1. I must draw closer to God and walk more closely with Him. After all, people will listen to what I say only if my life reinforces it as truth.
2. I must seek to influence my world one person at a time. I will continue to pray that God will send a mighty awakening and movement of His Spirit. Yet, I know that even those usually begin with one or a few dedicated disciples who are sold out to Christ. I must remember that “I must be salt” and “I must be light.” My mission field is wherever I am.
3. I must realize that following Jesus in such a culture comes with a price. I cannot quit when the going gets tough (although there are times when I really want to do just that).
4. I need to envision daily God sitting on his throne. Even though it sometimes feels like the world is spinning out of control, He is still in charge!
5. I need to pray that God will do what only He can do.
All of us have read the last chapter of the Book. We know we win in the end. But until then, we have a responsibility to remain true to our calling and exert our influence to advance the kingdom of God one square foot at a time.