Note to self

While I was in Big Bear, I did a lot of reflecting on my own discipleship and my own ministry at New Hope. I preached a bit to myself (I tend to do that a lot). I thought I'd share a bit of that self-preaching with you... "Make disciples! That's your job. That's your task. That's your duty. Issue the invitation to those who don't yet believe, trust, follow or obey. When some decide to do those things, take them by the hand, love them like crazy, and immerse them in the way of Christ and his kingdom. Tell them, show them, enourage them, correct them, applaude them, rebuke them. Prepare them. Then, when they're ready, send them and trust them. Watch them, support them, remind them and encourage them some more. "It will take all you've got to give, but we're making disciples of Jesus Christ, not birdhouses. Make disciples and you'll change the world and the eternal kingdom with it." I'm right to whip myself into shape with these words. Strong words. Kick-in-the-bottom kind of words that remind me of the simplicity (not ease!) of my calling. Focus, focus, focus. There's freedom in this kind of simplicity. After all, we're working with the One we work for.