Lately, I have been thinking a lot about the church and how to become more effective. With all of the challenges that go on from day to day within its four walls, it is so hard to step back and gain perspective. I wonder if that is the method the devil uses to keep us from doing and being all that God wants us to be. Possibly.

As I was picking up the boys from school today, there was an incedent that caused me to think. A car was trying to get into the line of cars that were leaving the parking lot. I did not see it from the beginning but it looked to me like he was trying to merge and the others were not about to let him in. As hard as he tried, they would not let him over until finally he pulled out of the parking lot alongside another car that was also pulling out – it was supposed to be one lane. As all of this transpired, I told Rita, rather frustrated, that I need to get better at what I do so that this neighborhood and city become better – people become better and more sensitive to others around them. I was quite shocked at her response. It was something to the effect of “how could that make a difference?” Wow! Do we really think that Christ and a personal relationship with Him could not make us better people? Isn’t that the purpose? A changed life that helps us become more like Him? I think that is exactly what it is about.

I learned something there today. I can have all of the passion in the world and without a well focused purpose, that passion is nothing. We must understand exactly what our mission is and articulate it well in order for it to make a difference. Have I been preaching for the last four years with plenty of passion but with no purpose? Have I not made it perfectly clear that when Christ comes into your life, something changes and you begin to think more of others than yourself? Have I not made it clear that just to call yourself a Christian and to continue living the old way is really to make a mochery of the gospel?

To have passion for Christ is not enough. I must have a passion so strong for people and a passion for them to come into a right relationship with Him that it drives everything that I do. My sermon preparation must be saturated in prayer – first that God is honored and that His message is heard and then second, that others are able to understand and be compelled to do something with the information that they are recieving. Passion without purpose does not help, it is only when it is focused and intentional that people are going to be changed.

Lord, help me today – starting right now – to become so focused and intentional about my work and about preaching you and you crucified that others drawn to you. As the scriptures teach, I want to know you in your resurection. Change me today and make me all that you want me to be.

Thank you Jesus for road rage lessons.