Freely, Freely

So many tragic and unfortunate events have been in the news lately. So many tragic and unfortunate events happen every day that go unnoticed by most. Situations like the Sandy Hook shooting, kidnappings, or stranded cruise ships that remind me of one thing- grace. These events remind me and probably most Christians of our need for grace. How fallen and broken we are. How evil humanity is. How desperately we need Jesus.

But, these events also bring out the worst in people. It is situations like these where anger and vengeance seem so much easier. Our first reaction to any injustice seems to be retaliation. We want to get even. We want to make things “right.” An eye for an eye,right? If you hurt me, well then deserve it. That seems to be our attitude. We feel like we are owed something. This person who has done us wrong must make it right.  It is as if we believe our reaction will right the wrong that has been done. These bad things that happen to us-they just aren't fair! We must make everything fair!

Now, what about the smaller, everyday injustices?

Someone take your parking spot? That jerk.
The store won’t accept your return? Poor customer service.
Did you waiter forget to fill your drink? No tip for him.
Did you have to wait in line too long? You could run the store better.  

Tough day at work? You let 'em have it.
Nearly every day we experience unfair, inconvenient, and crappy situations. Every day we have a chance to extend grace.

Things aren't fair. Life isn't fair. Grace is not fair. 

Every day we wake up and we hope for things to go just our way. We expect people to be kind and considerate. We expect traffic to run smoothly and every person we meet to be pleased to see us. We never hope to encounter a situation that requires patience and grace. We never want to be inconvenienced. But, how do we act when we are inconvenienced?

Do we exhibit the fruit of the Spirit or the fruit of the world?
Are we patient, kind and self-controlled or are we rude, greedy and angry?

Do we hold these unfair things over someone's head? Do we hold a grudge? Do we expect everyone to see things our way?

If we carry the name of Christ this choice is important. How we react to injustice, no matter how insignificant, is a reflection of Christ. It is a direct reflection of how we view Christ’s grace. Do you have a shallow understanding of grace? Do you realize the vastness of Christ’s death and salvation?

Christ’s grace is not just for you. It is not just for your salvation. It is for you, as follower of Christ to take and pour out over every situation and encounter. God’s grace is not just for the big things- it’s for the little things as well. Christ has given us the authority and the means to show grace and to be grace in the world.

A song kept coming to mind it says,

“He said 'Freely, freely you have received;, freely, freely give. 

Go in my name, and because you believe others will know that I live. 


Christ freely gives us all grace, all mercy and shows us perfect kindness. 
Are we doing the same for others or are we holding back?

The Sent and The Senders

Not every Christian is called to meet every need. Not every Christian is called to be a missionary or a pastor or to any full time ministry. Most are called to fields outside the realm of ministry. But all are called to minister to their family, church family and seek how they can grow the Kingdom.

Two specific callings go hand in hand. Those who are called to be sent and those who are called to be senders. Not everyone is called to be sent, but anyone can be a sender. Anyone, in any job or ministry, part time or full-time. Anyone with any spiritual gifts or talents or abilities. Anyone can be a sender.

Maybe you have a job at home, or a family, or you know exactly the place God has called you to be. Maybe, for whatever reason, you know that you cannot physically go to another country. But God tells everyone to go. As you go to work, as you go to school, as you go to the store or the movies. Go and make disciples. But, I think we should all strive to do more than just the bare minimum.  We should strive to do all we can to spread the Gospel. Are you comfortable with where you are? Are you comfortable with what you are doing for the Gospel? Do you think you should be more uncomfortable? Have you considered being a sender?

As a sender, a person feeds into the lives of the sent. A sender makes it possible for the sent to be sent. Senders give encouragement, provide financial support and share in the reward of seeing those in other places come to know Christ. As a sender you fulfill the Great Commission. You send your prayers and your resources to the ends of the earth.

Both the sent and the sender are required. Both are equally important. Thankfully, we have been able to experience both aspects, and are continuing to send others, while God is calling us to go. But before we can be sent, we must find our senders. We are asking God to show us the people who will send us. We are seeking out those we can feed into spiritually. We want to be a blessing to our senders as they are fulfilling their call to send. We want to encourage them as they encourage us.
This truly is a team effort. This is a job that cannot be done alone.
Would you join our team?