AppointedSample

The MESSage

Scripture has given us many accounts of men and women who were appointed by God to do a great task, most of whom were royal screw-ups. That leaves me with great hope since I know for a fact that I am royally flawed and have messed up more times than I can count. Jesus wants our messes to become His message to the world. Only Jesus was able to walk this Earth without sin in a perfect state of mind, heart, and mission.

I've also seen time and time again that as we flawed humans are chosen by God to do things in Jesus' Name, our own family and many friends can end up falling away and rejecting us. Oftentimes, there is also belittling and slander involved. I've been through it, still in it, and should also have that t-shirt to show for it. What God has shown me in these instances is that sometimes, even when it hurts deeply, Christ removes people from your inner circle because they don't have the ability to take the path that you are on. They can't handle the heights to which The Lord is taking you, and that's OK. Maybe they can't breathe in that elevated air that God has assigned for you. After all...it's not "their" assignment. It can be a hard pill to swallow when you have to let go of people that you truly love in order to move forward into your calling and be obedient. (Acts 5:29)

We live in an incredibly fallen world that's getting worse with every day. It's important to remember that God doesn't expect perfection. He expects obedience. I could definitely say that my life and my family's growing up looked like we "put the funk in dysfunctional," as our own pastor has also said.

I have great news for you! You can come away from a messy life and still make an impact for the kingdom. Your mess can be HIS MESSAGE!

There are a few characteristics that, with His help, you can implement to do great things for Christ:

Love and obey God and His Word in faith.

Love people.

Stay in communion with Jesus.

Emulate Christ and share HIS love.