We take a look at three questions about mission and our lives in Christ. Do we know what he is doing in us and around us? Are we playing our part in the things he is doing? How can we find out? How can we begin to do better?
In his 'Missional Challenge' blog, Dave DeVries reposts some questions posed originally by Don Snell. The questions are intended for coaching. In particular the aim is to help people 'align [their lives] with Jesus' disciplemaking mission'.I think these questions are so good that I've decided to take them a few at a time and share my answers, at least in outline form. Here are the first three.
- What is God doing right now?
- Are you aware of what God is doing?
- How are you part of what God is doing?
Notice first that the old English word 'disciple' has the sense of 'apprentice'. It's about learning by working alongside an expert. Jesus is the expert.
What is God doing right now? - The simple answer is 'many things'! But for this question to help me align my life I will need to consider what he is doing in my own life and in the area where I live and among the people I might be called to influence.
We might usefully ask whether Jesus has any other mission or agenda than making disciples. My answer is that making disciples covers it pretty well. If Jesus intends to heal the sick he will do it through his followers. If he wants to teach us, or guide us, or encourage us he will do so through our brothers and sisters who are his followers. He told the Twelve to 'make followers of all nations' and to 'teach them all the things I have taught you' (Matthew 28:18-20). And that includes making disciples.
So what is he doing in me right now? I think he's showing me that his way is very simple, so simple a small child could do it. It involves listening to what he says and doing it. It involves loving the Father, loving his other followers, loving my neighbours, and loving my enemies. That'll be love everyone then! He's showing me that it's not about learning methods but about moment by moment obedience. It's not a matter of authority but of humility.
And what is he doing around me? He is preparing people to hear, to ask questions, to respond to him. He is trying to reach everyone. Not everyone is ready to listen - yet. I need to know the difference.
Are you aware of what God is doing? - Sometimes. I try to be, but I'm not always hearing and seeing. Often I'm just too dim-witted to understand what he's doing while he's doing it. Later it dawns on me, 'That was Jesus at work', 'Father had a hand in that', 'The Holy Spirit showed me that for a reason'.
Sometimes I manage, somehow, to cooperate with him. Sometimes he works through me and in me even while I don't realise it.
I'm simple and foolish; he is all wise, all knowing, and very, very capable of getting over, under or around my mistakes.
How are you part of what God is doing? - Mostly by accident, it seems. But in truth it's by his design. He is not accident-prone even though I am.
And I know he wants me to be part of what he is doing. He doesn't need me, but it's his delight to involve me; what a priviledge! I certainly have to become a better and more constant listener and responder. I am part of what he is doing when I'm obedient.
He uses me to begin conversations with people who don't yet know him. He also uses me to encourage others who are on this journey with me. And he uses me on this blog, to touch people in a variety of ways. He uses me to care for others like a shepherd, guiding them to places where there is spiritual refreshment and nourishment. He gave me Isaiah 61 as a description of some of the things he wants me to do - proclaiming good news, binding up the broken hearted, speaking of freedom, light and his favour. There's a lot more in that chapter and it was all fulfilled in Jesus. But he wants to engage me in some of those activities with him, using me as his hands and feet and voice.
I did not choose to be part of this; he chose me!
And what about you? - How would you answer these three questions? We're all different and father has unique plans for each of us. Your answers may be very different from mine.
Do you find the questions useful? What is he doing in and around your life? How is he using you in his work?
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Thanks, Chris, for posting these questions. I like how they all point to the Lord and His agenda and how we are just His helpers (not the other way around). It touches me that you would share your answers as many bloggers are preaching to others and not being transparent. As for me, you know my whole blog is a testament to these questions and my answers. :-)
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