Mission and Empowerment
Yesterday we reflected that the call for a new life in Christ, as presented in the two Gospel options for this week (John 11: 1- 44 The Story of Lazarus) and (John 12: 20 - 35 The Parable of the Grain of Wheat) necessitates discarding old habits and ways of life - a dying to self.
Today we explore the paradox of death leading to empowerment in a new life in Christ. In the story of Lazarus (Jn 11: 25) Jesus says ‘Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live’. And in the story of the grain of wheat he says ‘…but if it dies, it bears much fruit’. In these two passages Jesus is giving a new insight of the power of faith over the forces of death and whatever keeps us in bondage. Faith and love prove victorious over death and darkness.
We reflect on our own lives and our transformation from bondage to empowerment through a new life in Christ. Through Christ we are redeemed from sin and forgiven by God. This redemption breaks the hold that darkness and sin have over our lives, allowing us to live in freedom and victory. The Holy Spirit works within us to renew our minds and conform them to the image of Christ. This transformation empowers us to resist temptation and overcome the darkness that is holding us back.
We adopt a new mission for life - building the ‘Kingdom of God’ on earth. This overarching mission cascades down to our own station in life. Our personal, family and business missions align with this bigger mission, making our life work purposeful. We align ourselves to a true North. This alignment not only gives direction and purpose but also empowerment through grace to achieve our new aligned missions.
We embody and promote the values of God’s kingdom in our lives and communities. These values include love, justice, mercy, compassion, forgiveness, humility, and righteousness. By living out these values, we demonstrate the character of God and contribute to the advancement of his kingdom on earth.
Building the kingdom of God on earth involves actively working for justice and compassion in society. This includes advocating for the rights and dignity of all people, especially the marginalized and oppressed. We engage in efforts to address systemic injustices, alleviate suffering, and promote the well-being of individuals and communities. We align and adapt our own station in life mission to these greater objectives.
We are empowered to steward God’s creation with care and respect by working towards sustainable practices, and addressing environmental challenges such as pollution, deforestation, and climate change.
We engage culture in ways that promote truth, beauty, and goodness. We seek to influence culture through words, actions, and creative endeavors, offering a compelling vision of God’s kingdom that transforms hearts and minds.
How can we adapt our personal, family and career missions to align with the bigger mission of building the Kingdom of God on earth? Abba, through our Lord Jesus Christ, please give us the grace, courage and patience to embrace our new missions.