Regard Relationships and Responsibility

Here’s the second devo in the Before You Go Home series. I pray you are checked by it and recognize your role in the bigger picture.

Though Christianity is not about you, it contains you! Therefore, regard your relationships and responsibility.

Aloha,
allen

Thoughts
Perhaps, you have heard the stir in the media in the last few days concerning Tiger Woods’ auto accident. His otherwise clean record has been the topic of quite a few mud throwing contests. (And to be clear, this is not another one!) While his wife Elin was probably not the club-swinging spouse they’ve created her to be, some of the underlying stories might be truer than we once believed.

In Tiger’s public apology this morning, one of sport’s greatest poster children referenced his ‘transgressions’ and repeatedly requested privacy. Anyone who has ever made a mistake understands what a respectable and noble request Tiger is presenting. Unfortunately, what none of us can ignore, including Tiger, is that it is just not that easy. Our lives, whether on an international level or familial level, are lived in relationships with other people and those relationships present responsibility.

John Mark had to learn a similar lesson. When he chose to desert Paul and Barnabas on the missionary trail, he wasn’t making an independent decision. He was making a choice that would affect his relationships, mission, and community.

Paul is very clear about the unity that must exist among the body of Christ. In Ephesians 4 he writes extensively about striving for unity in the body of Christ. As individual members within the body, we must regard relationships and responsibility. Our choice to return to a former lifestyle, addiction, or a physical place for the sake of ourselves is detrimental to the body of Christ.

With all due respect, Tiger is not going to receive ultimate privacy just because he made some bad choices. His choices have impacted families, fans, and financial sponsorships. There’s no quick return to anonymity because it’s uncomfortable. It is relationships and responsibility. Before you choose to go home, make sure you regard them; Your life is not independent of them.

Application
How should the media and his fans handle Tiger Woods’ circumstances? (Ignore it, Explore it, Acknowledge it, etc.)

How do our individual actions impact our relationships and responsibilities in the Body of Christ?

Has there been a time when you chose to go home and the Kingdom suffered for it?

Prayer
Father,

I pray first for Tiger and his family. We all know the devastation that our actions can cause. Uplift his family and use this time to draw him closer to you. Second, help me to realize just how important I am to the body of Christ. My actions and decisions are crucial to the Kingdom. When temptation assails me, keep me steady on You. May I not rush to what is comfortable and easy. Rather, keep me connected and committed to You mission.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

It’s Worth Living For

I pray that your Thanksgiving holiday and weekend went well. I realize it’s a busy time for us all. Family and friends are great, but it sure gets to be exhausting.

This week we will be recapping Sunday’s message Before You Go Home. Taken from Acts 13:13, we’ll focus on the temptations we face to go home. Whether it is the change of the weather, the time of the year, or just a difficult situation, there are times when we just want to go home. Young Mark bailed on his missionary journey with Paul and Barnabas to go home. Be it a return to addictions or to a comfortable lifestyle, we all face the temptation to give up on our mission and go where things are familiar, safe and comfortable.

Before You Go Home there are some things you should consider…

Aloha,
allen

Thoughts
The following ad once appeared in a London newspaper: “Men wanted for hazardous journey. Small wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger, safe return doubtful.”

The ad was signed by Sir Ernest Shackleton, Antarctic explorer.

Amazingly, the ad drew thousands of respondents, eager to sacrifice everything for the prospect of meaningful adventure.

[Today In The Word, August, 1989, p. 33.]

The mission that Paul, Barnabas, and John Mark were on was the greatest mission in history. Set apart by the Holy Spirit they were engaging heathen nations with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Despite opposition and opinions, the trio were seeing people come to faith in Jesus Christ.

Nevertheless, for reasons unknown, Mark chose to abort his mission and return home. Some have suggested that the journey was too demanding for him. Others think that a transition in leadership focus from Barnabas (John Mark’s cousin) to Paul was the reason. Whatever the reason, Paul felt that Mark deserted them (Ac. 15:38) and found it difficult to allow him back on the team a couple of years later.

Mark’s aborted mission challenges us to consider our mission and its significance. If your mission isn’t worth persevering THROUGH, you do not have a mission worth living FOR. I am sure the suffering, resistance, and persecution that Paul and Barnabas endured made it challenging at times. Yet, they found their high calling (Phil. 3:12-14) to be worth their suffering.

Like Mark, there will be times in life when major pulls will be made to just go home. Whether it is leadership changes or just the cuddly comforts of the familiar, we all face the temptation to abandon responsibility and maturity and return home. We often forfeit spiritual growth, marriages, financial responsibility, etc. for addictions, strongholds, mediocrity, and comfort. In such cases, perhaps we are living with the wrong mission in mind. If your marriage is centered on your comfort rather than God’s character, it will always be easier to abort your mission. If your financial structure is based upon your desires rather than Godly stewardship, there will always be reasons to go home. However, if you’re living for the mission of Christ, it’s worth persevering through!

Application
What missions have you found worth persevering through? (weight loss, parenting, etc.)

When are you most likely to abort your mission and go home? (difficulties, change of seasons, etc.)

What mission are you living for today? Is it worth persevering through?

Prayer
Father,

May we all received and accept the divine calling that Paul and Barnabas engaged in. They found the trials and temptations worthy of their persistence and resistance. They stayed the mission rather than going home. They didn’t desert the Gospel for addictions or comforts. They disciplined themselves and completed their mission. May I have that same persistence in my faith. May You become my mission!

In Jesus’ name. Amen.