‘I think that the deepest motive for mission is simply to desire to be with Jesus where He is, on the frontier between the ring of God and the usurped dominion of the devil.’ - Lesslie Newbigin
Jesus is building His Church (Matt 16:18). How quickly we forget that the One who holds the universe together by the word of His power does not need our action to accomplish His purpose (Heb 1:3). But what grace that He gives us gifts for the purpose of building up His body (1 Cor 14:12).
When service and mission become about doing for God, rather than presence with God, and His people, we find ourselves troubled by many things. We have failed to choose the good portion (Luke 10:42). We serve intentionally and invest intentionally, but we do so before the face of God, from the love of God, for the glory of God, and the good of others.
Lord, would you reorder our loves? Forgive our foolish thoughts that you need us - our skills, gifts, and time - as if all of those things had not first been entrusted to us by You in the first place. Would we be marked by presence with You first, foremost, and ever ongoing. Jesus, You are God with us, may we be people with You. In Your name, amen.
With,
Aaron