What happens when we reach the end of something? Are we finished? Do we stop? Is it over? Are we done? This weekend, as we conclude our 4th year of Master’s Commission, 15 students are finishing up a journey that began last September. They have done a commendable job of learning and serving and have demonstrated a perseverance that should be desirous of us all.
As we watch them preparing to close this chapter of their life I would like us to consider the correct Biblical perspective for finishing something. While not all of us will participate in Master’s Commission, we will all sit through a sermon, attend a conference, go on a retreat or serve on a mission’s trip. Although these endeavours may range from several minutes to multiple months I don’t believe there length should have any affect on our approach to their completion. Whether we have just sat through a 35 minute sermon (Naomi happened to preach that day) or been away from home for 9 months I believe that the Bible calls all of us to a similar approach to the wrapping up of these initiatives.
In James 1:22 we are instructed to do more than just listen to God’s Word, we are directed to apply His Word to our lives. The idea is that we would take that which we have heard (learned) and allow it to shape and influence our life from that point forward. This one verse gives us the correct perspective that we should have as we prepare to wrap up every sermon, retreat, conference, missions trip and master’s commission. In this way, the end of something really becomes the beginning of something even greater. If at the end of a Sunday sermon, or year of Master’s Commission, we believe that we are ‘done’ then we have missed the point and purpose of what we just participated in. Not only do we miss out on the real purpose of what we have just completed but we make ourselves vulnerable to deception. If, under the assumption of being ‘finished’, we fail to apply what we have learned then we open a door in our lives to be misled and fooled (James 1:23,24). It is for this reason, that we must all see the end as the beginning. The finish line of one thing becomes the starting line for the next and we continually apply and build upon what is being spoken into our lives.
So well done students, and now let the real task begin!
1 comment:
Scott!!
Your heart for the church, the bride, the reflection of Christ is truly amazing! This is a huge encouragement to me, as I have just returned from China on a 'mission trip' it's hard not to think that it's over...when really, it's just began!! It's our lives, the way we live it, moment to moment, not just a one time exploit or a trip overseas. Im learning more and more the simplicity and value of doing just what Christ commanded us, to love GOD and love people. Bless you and your family pastor!!
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