Have you ever thought about what the biggest challenge facing the church is today? If you have, I am sure there are a few possibilities that immediately come to mind. We can consider this question in the context of either the big “C” Church (the Church around the world) or the little “c” church, demonstrated by a local body of believers that gathers. I would like us to consider a challenge that comes from within the church before we begin to look at outside challenges. My simple suggestion is that distraction is a primary challenge for both the “c” and “C” church.
We know what Jesus calls His followers to do, but things come up that require immediate attention. I recognize this in my own life all too often, and occasionally, I am reminded of it by others. Consider the powerful tool that most of us carry with us each day—our smartphone. Information and communication at our fingertips can become a great distraction from the task at hand. When I read the accounts of the apostle Paul, I marvel at what appears to be a laser-like focus on accomplishing his God-given mission. He had an incredible encounter with the risen Jesus, but haven’t we all? How did Paul balance relationships, traveling into places that had not even heard of Jesus, and consistently give guidance to various churches?
The first thing I see is that Paul was kingdom-minded. The apostle Paul was able to be deeply connected and invested with the local church while at the same time always focusing on those who had not yet encountered Jesus. He understood that the temptation of almost every church is to become distracted by caring for those within the local church and, at times, to miss the people just outside the doors. A kingdom-minded church, in its simplest form, sees the world as God does and reacts in a way that reflects God’s heart. Being a kingdom-minded church or individual is an unshakeable commitment to the cause of Christ—a perspective that is soul-oriented, while aware of human needs.
When reading through the New Testament, it does not take long to recognize that the early church was familiar with opposition. The opposition they encountered went beyond what most of us have encountered as Christians in the United States. I believe that this consistent opposition provided the opportunity for the early church to remain on task. Should we consider that challenges and opposition are the very things that Christ uses to keep His followers on mission? Encouragement played a critical role in keeping the early church focused amid opposition. Being intentional about simply encouraging one another is emphasized by the writer of Hebrews, who invites us to consider how to spur one another on. I have ridden a few horses and will say that spurs are not a subtle reminder. We need encouragement at all points of life, which is especially true in challenging times, or when something comes up that draws our attention away from the mission we have been given.
“And let us consider how we may spur one another
on toward love and good deeds.”
(Hebrews 10:24 NIV)
Finally, the early church displayed a level of urgency that has often become relaxed in churches as time has passed since Jesus’ resurrection. Nothing motivates us out of distraction better than a deadline. Two thousand years later, our urgency to do the work of Jesus has been replaced with a longing for Christ’s return based on the desire to be set free from this broken world. We, as followers of Christ, live in the paradox of anticipating Christ’s return with joy while weeping for the millions who have yet to hear the name of Jesus.
Rosedale Network of Churches, along with our local churches and individuals within those churches, have an incredible opportunity to be intentional about encouraging each other to stay on task. We can do this every Sunday morning as we gather to worship in our local churches as well as through Multiply Conferences and Pastors Conferences. When we gather, we should immediately gain a perspective broader than ourselves. Let’s challenge ourselves daily to live in the urgency of Christ’s return and not fall into the distractions of our daily lives that can pull us away from our mission to the world. Let’s be sure to hold the kingdom of God in the highest regard as we are diligent in seeing the world through God’s eyes.
One Response
Thanks Ivan for your thoughtful and challenging article. I’ve been mulling over the word hunger or hungry lately. Hunger creates both focus and urgency. What does it mean for me to be spiritually hungry for God? What does it look like for me to be hungry for God to show up and do what only God can do?