significance

Let's face it: everyone wants to know they are valued - both for who they are and what they do. Now the 'good news' about this Jesus stuff is that God accepts us for who we are and not because of what we do. All of us are loved by God. Clearly the Bible tells us that occupation, status and wealth are not the controlling factors when it comes to divine acceptance and a sense of significance in the Lord's eyes. But the Bible also teaches that action counts and service is valued.


Again I am indebted to Carey Nieuwhof for drawing this next point to our attention. "You can tell people they are significant, but until you give them something significant to do, they won't feel significant. Maybe the problem of burnout in churches is not that we have given people too much to do; maybe it's that we've given people too many insignificant things to do."


Let's take it a step further: everything we do in church needs to support the significant goal of connecting people with God. Teaching children, making music, serving food, examining $ signs - these are truly significant when understood in the light of God's grand scheme. God's desire is to connect with people of all ages. Significant people (those treasured by God) do significant things (connect others to God).

outsourcing

My sister-in-law gives exceptional international leadership to a company that specializes in outsourcing solutions. She travels the world negotiating multi-million dollar contracts. SUCCESS in business often depends on outsourcing – the delegating of everything you don't want to do, to someone who will do it for you. Some of this makes sense. No one person or group can possibly do everything! Nor should they, especially if the gifting/talent/money is not present. Things should be done well and efficiently.

I am thankful for Carey Nieuwhof for bringing this subject to the attention of Christians and churches through his ‘Life Matters’ blog. Carey notes:

“But the shadow side of outsourcing is that it can lead to an abdication of responsibility. When I was in high school, I thought math was so awful I remember thinking "when I get older I'm just going to hire someone to do my math." Right. Then I ended up in ministry. Glad I married a smart woman and have smart kids. And that I have a calculator. And that I don't do the finances at our church. Nothing wrong with not being good at something, but I cannot absolve myself of responsibility.”

So here is the ‘big idea’: Some Christians want to outsource their spiritual development/growth. As if leaving it to the Pastor or Sunday School Teacher or my spouse will really work. I cannot delegate my own spiritual growth. I must take responsibility. A decision to participate in the 40 Days of Love campaign makes sense doesn’t it?