Will you come and follow Me?

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. – Philippians 2:1-2

This recent media frenzy over “ice bucket challenge” for ALS certainly has caused a lot of attention. Somewhere, somehow, someone got stirred deep within their heart about this disease and got so caught up and passionate about it that they had to do something. And something they did!

There are numerous causes out there. We can feel compassion towards each one as we are made aware of the pain and suffering they each cause. But we don’t have the time, energy or resources to be passionate about all of them. No, I think God places in each one of our hearts a certain passion. It is a nagging thing that just won’t let go. Whether it’s unfair treatment of vets or senior citizens, or a debilitating childhood disease, there will be certain things that make our heart really ache.

I am currently working on writing a “speech” on Laity in the Church – for an upcoming spiritual retreat. And I am reminded that God may be working in the same way in our churches. Are there certain aspects of the church life that you are passionate about? Things that you see should be done in the utmost way? Do you think, talk, dwell and imagine how it should or could be? Don’t ignore God’s calling. He may be making your heart break over something that is also important to Him. Laity is not somebody else in the church. Laity is you. And you were meant to be with God in the on-going nurturing of the church’s health and well-being. God’s kingdom plan includes you. Yes, you! An avid golfer eats, drinks, sleeps, dreams, talks, writes, reads – GOLF. I’ll bet if you thought about it, there is something about church life that could consume you into action as well. Like the golfer or the creator of “ice bucket challenge” … you could be a conduit to God’s great passion for something in your church. Wouldn’t it be exciting to birth something new? God can do that. He just needs open hands ready to carry the work He already has in mind. What does God love that He wants you to love just as passionately? Do you feel the nudge ... and will you follow Him?