Some people support us. Some resist us. Most ignore us. Have you noticed? That’s also how people relate to God. His kingdom expands when supporters are empowered, and resistors and ignorers become supporters.
God doesn’t want to destroy us. He patiently waits for us to repent (2 Peter 3:9 NLT). Some but not all people do. We did. Now our life purpose is to glorify Him. But that raises a question.
How can we harness energy and resources to glorify God? Jesus used even the negative energy and His disciples’ self-promoting desires to glorify God. He exposed their push for personal greatness. He taught them that they achieved it by taking the lowest rank and serving others (Luke 22:24–26).
God used the negative believer-scattering resistance of persecution to expand the faith into new areas outside Jerusalem (Acts 8). Paul used kingdom-resisting idolatry in Athens as a springboard to preach the gospel (Acts 17:17–23).
Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery. After He became prominent in Egypt, this is how he described their deed: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people” (Genesis 50:20 NLT).
God uses the unwanted headwinds of our trials and troubles to develop our faith muscles (James 1:2–4). He comforts us in adversity so we can comfort others facing similar tough times (2 Corinthians 1:3–6).
David harnessed the resources of his mighty men (1 Chronicles 11:10ff). Christian leaders mobilized believers’ resources to meet the needs of other believers (Acts 4:32).
The Apostle John wrote to transform lukewarm, self-satisfied believers into fully committed followers of Christ (Revelation 3:14–18). We see this energy harnessing everywhere in the created world.
For example, smallmouth bass in a river position themselves in the calm water on the downstream side of large rocks. The current washes food down to them.
They dart from behind the rock to grab it. Then they return to the calm water to conserve energy until their next meal arrives. They thereby consume a maximum amount of energy while expending minimal energy to obtain it.
How can we maximize the kingdom-building return on our time, abilities, energy, and facilities? We dare not waste them on ministry that bears little fruit. If our kingdom-expanding efforts are fruitless, we must try another approach.
Beware of perpetuating tradition-driven fruitless ministry just because that is the way we and our church have always done it. God wants to use us to extend His kingdom more than we want to be used.
As we seek to walk in His ways, His Spirit will guide us (Isaiah 30:1). When He does, we should recruit other people to follow Him. God will work in their hearts to motivate them to join us.
Harness the resources of those who support the new ministry direction. Dialog with those who don’t. Incorporate their input about the new direction while it’s still being shaped and invite them to join you.
When we cast a captivating vision, some indifferent people will decide their lives can make a difference in this new direction. They will share their resources to help make it happen.
God led me to redirect most of my ministry efforts away from the United States, where they had produced minimal fruit. Now, in retirement, my focus is mostly on providing free spiritual resources for people in eight African nations.
These countries have relatively few Christian resources and great spiritual hunger. God has used me to make a greater difference for Christ there in three years than in forty years in the U.S.
I leave you with a challenge. How can you harness energy and resources to glorify God where He has planted you? #freechristiandiscipleshipresources #freeevangelismresources #freechristianleadershipresources
See free spiritual growth resources for Christians at https://www.christiangrowthresources.com
God has equipped and empowered me to write His Power for Your Weakness—260 Steps Toward Spiritual Strength. It’s a free devotional discipleship resource. Pastors have used it in Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia to lead more than 2,400 people to faith in Christ and teach the basics of Christianity to 3,174 people. I invite you to check it out. https://www.christiangrowthresources.com/his-power-for-your-weakness
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