Amelia Earhart said, “The most effective way to do it is to do it.” We can spend all day trying to wish ourselves into better Christian living. But the best way to live the Christian life is to take practical action.
In the program practiced in twelve step fellowships, the person in recovery is challenged to take actions they don’t yet believe in, actions that they don’t understand, which will bring changes in their life that bring about sustained recovery. This is very difficult, because what man or woman wants to take actions they don’t believe will be beneficial? This is why new members are encouraged to get a sponsor who can help guide them through the twelve steps.
As the person takes the actions, they change. As they pray, even though they don’t believe, the prayers help them to believe. As they make coffee before the meeting, they learn that serving feels good. As they go and help someone who has relapsed, they are reminded of where they used to be, and why they don’t want to go back. As they write their inventory and share it with their sponsor, they find healing from past hurts. As they make amends to those they harmed, they are able to find freedom from shame and look the world in the eyes again.
Action unlocks the goal. You believe after the action not before. Looking back you see why it was so important, but at first it’s an act of faith, choosing to believe that it might actually work.
It’s the same with justice and mercy to our neighbors. Why should I pay for the person behind me in the drive through at the fast food place? Just do it. And then watch how you feel afterward. Why put a Bible in a little free library? The action itself is going to inspire greater actions.
God will often prompt me to go minister to someone. I’ve learned (slowly) over time, and I’m still learning of course, to just go do it. Just trust that God has a reason and will guide the conversation toward His ends. Action first. Then we learn through the action why it matters. The action spawns a greater desire to take action in the future. In the same way, as we fail to take action, or refuse to, it becomes harder and harder to move ourselves toward action in the future. As we take action, and repeatedly take action as God leads us, our vision gets broader and broader, and we learn better ways to take further action in the future.
As far as what new bold acts God might be calling me toward, well, that is the great question in my mind right now. I’m getting married in a month, and The Salvation Army will need to move me away from my current appointment in Michigan. So my thought has been, what will God call me to in the future? I think the challenge will be praying and continuing to pray. God will make it clear what areas he wants me to target in my next ministry context.
“I try to practice praying actively throughout the day, constantly offering up silent prayers of dependency and responsiveness to God’s purposes.” -Mark Labberton (2010)
God makes it clear as we seek Him. When considering the future, I’ve even had dreams of late, of a ministry outreach, setup like an old bar style. I’ve dreamt of it twice in the past year. Two nights ago I dreamt of a gathering of SA soldiers out near an apple orchard. Only time will tell what God has in store next, but I’m excited! In everything I know this much: It will take boldness. William Booth the founder of The Salvation Army was bold enough to break the rules, to go into bars and preach there. The Salvation Army setup red kettles with bell ringers in front of department stores. In great victories it takes boldness, going beyond what others might try to do.
