Billy Graham recently said, “I think one of God’s next great moves will be through believers in the workplace.”
The new paradigm for church growth is in the workplace. If we, the gathered church, can see that our strategic role is to equip the Saints for ministry in the workplace, there will be transformation to benefit all. If we encourage it and build it, they will come and there won’t be enough space to house them.
Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth.”
The people of God gathered on Sunday are in the “salt shakers” to be equipped for the application and world harvest on Monday. It is the “salt” outside the shaker that “flavors” and brings healing to communities and cultures. If we believe in the biblical priesthood of all believers, why not weekly fellowship and outreach groups at every existing labor institution in our community and county? That’s the prayer and the fire starter! Community transformation begins with individual transformation.
John Stuart Mill wrote:
“As long as the general disposition of the people is such that each individual considers only those of his own interests that are selfish, and does not stop or worry about his part of the general interest, in such a state of affairs good government is impossible. Follow the personal and civil decay “.
Selfishness, prejudice, and greed are individual problems that become the collective problem of our community or society and the world if left unchecked. This behavior can only be changed through the redemptive work of Christ, which radically transforms the values, motivation, behavior, and outlook of sinful people. We all qualify as sinners. How can we know that this is true? The affirmation of Christ has stood the test of time. He said: “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life”, and “No one comes to the Father except through me.” By embracing Truth and His forgiveness, we are freed and empowered to shape and shape the course of events in our communities.
The focus of our current culture is on human self-reliance and self-determination, also known as humanism. Subtly, its web is being woven into the fabric of our society. Humanism has not only failed man, it has turned us into a worthless void in which we move toward moral relativism and spiritual bankruptcy. The landscape is strewn with “broken cisterns” that no longer contain the “water of life” nor do they contain the glory of the Lord. Yes, even once, divinely conceived and motivated ministries and institutions have fallen prey to sinners’ own interests. men whose moral, ethical and spiritual commitment have overshadowed the glory of God so that the images glorify themselves. In the light of Christ, this darkness will flee and the culture will be transformed.
Jesus said, “You are the light of the world.” Matthew 5:14.
Our challenge wherever God has placed us is to stand up, shine, and declare the glory of God. This is the time for the glory of the Lord to be displayed! Pick up dry bones and connect.
The contrast is striking: the world expects more and more, but with greater fear and uncertainty. Followers of Christ share a hope based on certainty and enlightened by the majesty of an infinite, eternal, and loving Father. What can we say except, “God be praised!” What can we do but submit to his authority and reflect his glory? God has put eternity in our hearts and has empowered us to declare His glory. Ask God for the audacity to call sin for what it is, where it is, and be a prophetic voice. Ask for the heart of a pastor to demonstrate the love of Christ so that people will feel compelled by his love to desire his lordship. “God has not given us a spirit of shyness, but of power and love and a healthy mind.” 2 Timothy 1: 7. The transforming power of Christ in our Monday world may be the change we all want to see in our community.
Salt can be identified in the salt shaker, but it must be poured where it was designed to be placed: in the places of our work, study and neighborhoods. If you were on trial for being a believer in your Monday world, would there be enough evidence to convict you? Are we stealth followers of Christ in our Monday world? Do we hide on Monday only to resurface in our “holy crowds” on Sunday?
The good news is that some of the salt is coming off the shaker. Dry bones are connecting. Small groups for prayer and fellowship are emerging in banks, businesses, government offices, professional offices, schools, and neighborhoods, meeting after hours, over coffee or lunch, and even at 6:30 am without breakfast.
For example, before work or during lunchtime, entrepreneurs from different churches meet weekly to encourage each other, share their journey, and support each other in prayer. Its purpose is centered on what it means to love God and others. They inspire other believers to this higher purpose and their mission where God has placed them. They are connecting other believers to pray for non-believers seeking meaning and purpose for their lives.
Currently, this is a movement, not an organization or initiative of any particular denomination or church. The genesis of the transformation has begun in the world of Mondays. It will grow, one institution, one company, one school, one neighborhood at a time. It is a Spirit-led and purposeful movement that holds great promise to transform people, our cities, and our country.
We can expect safer and more supportive communities when the values, vision and mission of believers is to be “salt and light” where God has planted them. Being “salt and light” will preserve, protect and bless our community.
Bloom where God has strategically planted you. Build it and they will come! Each day offers opportunities to give and receive encouragement, fulfillment, and a sense of mission. Your Monday world is the place for ministry work that can make a difference in people’s lives and homes. Harvesting requires first planting, watering, and flowering. Pray to the Lord of the harvest for the workers. Can you think of any good reasons why you couldn’t flourish where God planted you? The fruit will be His, for Him and by Him and He will be glorified. As Saint Augustine wrote: “You have made us for yourself, O God, and our hearts are restless until it finds its rest in you.”
The words of that great classic hymn still ring true today. “Arise, people of God. Put an end to the lesser things. Give heart, mind, soul and strength to serve the King of kings.” That is the higher purpose to which we are called. Anything else will rob God, ourselves, and others of unspeakable, glorious delight and blessing. http://designed4apurpose.wordpress.com/
By Robert Lincoln “Bud” Hancock