Day 38 ~ Purpose Driven Life ~ Prepare Your Heart for the Mission

Day 38 ~ Purpose Driven Life ~ Becoming a World-Class Christian

Prepare Your Heart for the Mission

We all suffer from a diversity of existence imposed on us as a result of our formation “in the image of God” (Genesis 1:27–28). (see also https://pfojc.org/day-22-we-his-offspring-live-our-being-in-him/).

It can be argued that our existence on this earth is a trial run and learning process of how we will manage and use the powers bestowed on us now (in limited form while in the flesh) in our future being in spiritual form (when we exist in the afterlife). This complete material existence we partake in, enclosed in our human skins, has boundaries set by rigid physical laws of physics that include space and time constraints. Birthed into this world our spirits are tested in the crucible of life for the ultimate qualified placement in the afterlife.

Jesus said, “Do not be amazed that I said, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes. You hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” John 3:7-8 (BSB)

The experience of the rebirth, whether that be a sudden and dramatic shift in our being, or a gradual growth over time must take place. And as per the opening paragraph, diversity and creativity are the hallmarks of Godliness. Our experiences are no different and are also subject to this outflowing of Godliness that has been bestowed on man.

Rick Warren in chapter Day 38 of his book “The Purpose Driven Life” examines two types of Christians, essentially on the scale starting from the prosperity gospel Christian to the other end of the scale having the Christ life saturated disciple.

“You have a choice to make. You will be either a world-class Christian or a worldly Christian. Worldly Christians look to God primarily for personal fulfilment. They are saved, but self-centered. They love to attend concerts and enrichment seminars, but you would never find them at a missions conference because they aren’t interested. Their prayers focus on their own needs, blessings, and happiness. It’s a “me-first” faith: How can God make my life more comfortable? They want to use God for their purposes instead of being used for his purposes. In contrast, world-class Christians know they were saved to serve and made for a mission. They are eager to receive a personal assignment and excited about the privilege of being used by God. World-class Christians are the only fully alive people on the planet. Their joy, confidence, and enthusiasm are contagious because they know they’re making a difference. They wake up each morning expecting God to work through them in fresh ways. Which type of Christian do you want to be?“ (PDL – Rick ©)

Rick refers to the prosperity gospel Christians as “worldly Christians”. Within this group, there are also those who are of the leech kind only. The leeches prayer is simply a shopping list for their own benefit. God is reduced to nothing more than a genie called to service by rubbing the lantern with menial gifts and tasks that are more by the way than anything else. Church is simply a religious task which incorporates the lamp rubbing process.

Determining what type of Christian you are is really important. Without the rebirth your work will have no anointing. You have to examine your heart against the Bible as your litmus test.

Test your faith; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNFfgQtS528

No matter where we are in our individual walk with God it is the continual seeking of his presence that brings us enlightenment and the disclosure of his will.

“A Life of Worship – Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind that by testing that you may prove [or discern] what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfected and, thus, thus, live a life of worship.” (How to Know the Will of God – John Piper ; http://www.desiringgod.org/messages/how-to-know-the-will-of-god)

Remember that although you’re mission should reach beyond your own environment your home and family are also mission fields, do not run away and neglect them.

Know that you’re heart has been properly prepared for the mission.
Know what God’s anointed you to do.
Move within God’s will and his anointing for your life and be satisfied with what he has asked you to do, doing it to your best ability.