“Let
now your church shine as the bride
That
you saw in your heart as you offered up your life”
–Savior King by Hillsong United
“Savior King” was a song we sang today in church. What a great song for Easter time, especially
the line quoted above. What did Christ
see to keep Him motivated to do what He did for us? A shining bride, like the song shares? He must have seen something, for I know He
was God but He was also man and man so often needs a visual picture to be
motivated. You hear about this kind of
thing from self-help gurus and coaches.
They tell their client to visualize what they want to be or do and then
affirm this by how they talk to and encourage themself. We even see visual pictures running
businesses in the form of a “vision statement” where a short statement tells
where the business is going. The
business leader visualizes his company in 5 years or so and then puts that picture
into words to motivate his employees to spur them forward to achieve this goal. I am sure there are other examples, but the
point is that we often need this visual picture to press forward when the tough
gets going. What is your motivation as
you serve and lead your ministry? What
picture in your mind do you envision that keeps you going when you keep facing challenge
after challenge? Do you see a child that
is loved unconditionally? Do you see a
unified church? Do you see parents who
are welcome and secure? Do you see
volunteers that feel satisfied and valued?
Do you see a crucified Christ that took your place on the cross? What is it that you see? If you are feeling unmotivated, take the time
to ask God to show you His picture for your ministry. May you persist in finding this picture so
that you can continue giving up your desires and follow after Jesus’, making
your ministry effective in reaching the families you serve.
