While the broad mass of the laity in American churches continue to be exhaustingly absorbed in the rat race of business life, at least a portion of their finances is being diverted to furnish a substantial economic foundation for a remarkable missionary program abroad. One cannot help but wonder what the result would be if this mass of lay people could be spiritually released from their servitude in the American success system and reoriented to channel their major energies toward building the kingdom of God. Foreign missions would be enriched with a new flow of personnel and resources- contrary to some perceptions of the situation there is still room for this- and on the home missionary front there would be not only a surge of evangelism-in-depth comparable to the awakenings on the mission field but also the provision of funds needed for a whole variety of ministries from social compassion to the media. New Christian artists and musicians could be supported in film, television, and radio.
Richard Lovelace, Dynamics of Spiritual Life, 151.
This book was written in 1979. I believe today Lovelace would have stated that many of the Christians around the world are "exhaustingly absorbed in the rat race of business life." He would have recognized that believers around the world are supporting the work of mission and building the Kingdom of God. Still, I think his point is valid. It validity is now universal and not merely an American issue.
What do I mean?
It appears that America most successful export has been our view success. As we have promoted capitalism and economic growth as the sign of success, many countries and regions of the world have been transformed. This transformation is a mixed bag. Yes there has been an increase in the standard of living for many (Though surely not all. This model favors those with education). Yet, there is also the huge negative that this new model of "success" is extremely worldly. The allure of economic success does dominate the time, talents, and treasures of believers around the world. I do praise God that so many of us do divert much of our energy and money to support the cause of the gospel! What would happen if more did so?
In this section of the book, Lovelace is on a bit of a rambling rant. The above passage is at the end of a section where he is making the larger point that true spiritual renewal always is followed and marked by an increase in mission. In other words, the gospel always has to go somewhere! It is not merely personal, but it is universal.
To those transformed by grace, we cannot help but tell other about what God is doing. We cannot help but give our time, treasures and talents to see others come to know Jesus. To those experiencing real revival, this passion becomes a dominate theme. People and money flow into the work of ministry.
How about you? What about your church community? Is it marked by incredible generosity, an overflowing budget for ministry and mission, and an overarching concern for the lost? Does such concern dominate the vision and mission of your church's life?
You say you are not involved in a church? Why not? The church is Christ's bride and the primary means of grace God uses to build His Kingdom. Why have so many of us made our faith merely personal? Where is our passion for the lost?
An authentic and real spiritual life is marked by a passion for seeing God's Kingdom advance. It is not territorial, but all encompassing. It encourages ministry on many fronts, to many different types of people, and in many places.
Are you passionate to see God's Kingdom grow? Does fear dominate your life more than mission? I encourage you to repent and believe! Pray the Lord will send out laborers into the vineyard. If you cannot go, support these folks in prayer and with your time, talents, and treasures.
May the Kingdom grow and may we each of us have a strong hand in that growth!
Have you ever read the book Radical by David Platt, a reformed Southern Baptist with a church in Birmingham, AL? His premise is that if people truly applied the gospel, gave generously, and believed in the great commission mandate, the change would be radical. He recently caught some flack on his position against traditional Baptist routine altar calls and wrote a great defense for being reformed and for spreading the gospel throughout world and not using "altar calls" per se. Your post reminded me of his questions to believers as well. Lovelace is right that faith and mission are inevitably linked. Why do more people not get it? It's not that commonly preached for one thing! Thank you drawing our attention to the connection both in this blog and in your preaching/teaching.
ReplyDeleteLinda