Every day we wake up and are immediately thrust into the world as agents of change. Everything we do impacts someone or something. The vast majority of us wake up and, whether we realize it or not, through our bitterness, jealousy, rage, and cruelty find ever-creative ways to transform the world for the worse. We contribute to an increasingly painful, angry place that is increasingly populated with more angry, selfish people.
In contrast, it is our responsibility as Christ-followers to be positive change agents- bent solely on the fulfillment of Jesus’ prayer to the Father: “YOUR KINGDOM COME, YOUR WILL BE DONE, ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN.” We cannot do this alone, thus our desperate need for Christian community and cooperation. Thus, the Church.
Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled only to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, Let light shine out of darkness, has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. [2 Corinthians 4:1-6, ESV]
May I wake up tomorrow with the desire and ability to be a good servant of Jesus Christ to the world. To you.
For over a decade now I’ve talked about running my own nonprofit organization. In 1999 I left home for Auburn University to study business administration so I could one day pursue nonprofit work. A year and a half later, I was back living with my folks serving a semester of academic suspension from Auburn. I blew it. Now I was making coffee for overprivileged mall rats at Books-A-Million. When the opportunity to attend the University of Mobile arose, I jumped on it. I left Books-A-Million after four months with academic and professional dreams still within my grasp. Second chances don’t come often. This was it.
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If looks could kill. The clearly unkempt bird stood there on the ledge for well over 30 minutes, huffing and puffing like any near-drowned and out of breath person would, glaring at me irritated as I snapped photos like a paparazzo. I went inside for a few moments, and then it was gone. Farewell, kind bird. I’m sorry I flooded your home. Please don’t crap on my car.
by Joe Kennedy
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