Trade Up

Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. (Col 3:23-24)

As an Internet missionary, I have received some great comments and questions such as the following:

  • I really need your help spiritually. My Christian life is no longer what it used to be. I am not active anymore and I need a God revival.
  • How do I control my bitterness and destructive attitudes? They affect my relationships and my prayers.
  • What does it mean to be a follower of Jesus—to surrender, have commitment and devotion?

Why does it seem scary to turn our lives over to Jesus as though He will make our lives worse instead of better? Jesus declared Himself to be “the Good Shepherd.” In our culture “good” can mean “just above fair” to “this is really great!” In the Greek, as used by the ancients, “good” is better translated flawless, morally perfect, completely competent.

The absolute perfection of God’s will means every action we take to follow His leadership is a monumental step up. Following His leadership is not a little better – it is much better!

What then are the promised consequences of following His leadership? More of Jesus. Jesus said, “Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will manifest myself to him.” [John 14:21]

Complete your joy. Ask God about your next encounter with someone. Ask Him, “What would You have me say?” or “Lord, how would you have me respond to this person?” Then be still for a moment to hear his voice. Make a habit of it.

A good next encounter could be to register or sign in at MissionNext . Trade up to a life involved in making disciples of the nations.

Picture of Nelson Malwitz, Founder, Chief Innovation Officer

Nelson Malwitz, Founder, Chief Innovation Officer

Nelson is the generic Evangelical baby-boomer. Born in 1946, raised in the C&MA, he attended Urbana ’67 in college. He holds an MS degree in Chemical Engineering and worked in R&D positions in American industry for 33 years. Nelson is an inventor with formal training in methods of creative problem-solving. He was a founding elder at Walnut Hill Community Church in Bethel, CT (1982) and served in many leadership capacities of what is now one of the largest Evangelical churches in New England. In 1998 Nelson founded the Finishers Project, now MissionNext. Locally he attends a Torah study and serves as chairman of the Sewer Commission in his community to be a witness among unchurched leaders.

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