Step Back or Step Up
As we have stepped into 2022 many people have been re-evaluating their life and what they are giving energy to. As a result, people are more selective with what they attend and commit their time and energy to. People are done with fake. Perhaps that is where you are at.
When we look at the Church in general, we see that many congregations are still only half as strong as they were prior to the pandemic. People are re-evaluating what they want their Church experience to look like moving forward. Not only that, but statistics show that over 40% of pastors have strongly considered resigning this year. These markers show that something has been wrong with the way we have been doing Church.
I believe that although attendance may be down, and although facing significant challenges, this is an amazing time for those who would seek first the kingdom. In a time when so many people are stepping back, I believe God is calling us to step up!
Think about how the disciples must have felt after spending three years with Jesus only for Him to be crucified. What were they thinking when they were locked away huddled together in their rooms with each other.
Life as we know it is over.
What were the last three years about?
What does it mean to be a follower of Jesus?
What is God doing in these days?
I can imagine them feeling disheartened, confused and scared. Perhaps emotions that many of us having been facing through the pandemic, and emotions that continue to shape our thoughtlife…
When we gather everything Jesus said between His resurrection and ascension there is an amazing pattern. Instead of telling the disciples to step back and take it easy, instead of dwelling on their pain and confusion, instead of talking about the Romans and Jews who betrayed Him, Jesus spoke something entirely different… He told them to Step Up!
When summing up everything Jesus said between His resurrection and ascension, Luke tells us in Acts 1:4 that Jesus spoke about the Kingdom.
In Matthew Jesus tells us to make disciples and teaching people the ways of the Kingdom.
In Mark Jesus tells us to preach the gospel of the Kingdom with signs and wonders.
In Luke Jesus tells us to proclaim the forgiveness of sins according to the Scriptures – meaning that we are now empowered to reflect the image of God and bring Heaven to Earth.
In John Jesus sends us out in the exact same way He Himself was sent.
The point is this, no matter what is happening in your life right now, Jesus is calling us to seek first His Kingdom. He is calling us to Teach His Kingdom. Preach His Kingdom. Live His Kingdom. And Send His Kingdom. The promise though, is that as we seek first His Kingdom and righteousness He will add everything we need to us.
Imagine what would happen if the Church committed itself, not to meetings or programs, but to seeing Kingdom come? What would it look like in your life to seek first the Kingdom, to teach it, preach it and live out the Kingdom in your home, your marriage, your parenting, in your workplace, in your neighbourhood, City and so forth?
If we all did that I am convinced that we would have an unstoppable revival on our hands…
So the question is, will we step back or step up?
