The Real Work Has Just Begun

"The flaw of the church for hundreds of years has been the idea that we can politically accomplish what must occur in the hearts of individuals who choose to believe the truth of God's Word." Jim Richards

Are our definitions of love and success in line with God's or is it a muddy mess of a little of this and a little of that? A little humility and a lot of force? A little acceptance and a lot of self-righteousness? A little mercy and a lot of judgement? A little grace and a lot of self-effort?

It is God's kindness that leads to repentance. Have you experienced His kindness in a way that has empowered you to surrender your thoughts and ideas in exchange for His? I know lots of people who labor under the idea that it is guilt and shame that leads to repentance. Or knowledge and understanding. Or force and will-power. No. It is His Kindness. Invite His kindness into the dark and confusing places in your heart and mind. Let His kindness transform those places into areas that you know the power and peace that comes from being reconciled to Him. 

Are we ready to model this? Are we equipped to help others know the freedom and love of God because it's something we know and enjoy ourselves because we've embraced the ministry of the Prince of Peace? 

We've all been given the ministry of reconciliation...2 Corinthians 5:11-21. This, and all true ministry, flows out of a heart that is already experiencing it. Let's make certain it is something we are convinced of in our own hearts and lives. Not just some area we've hijacked into trying to prove our own value, purpose and worth. 

The real work has just begun!