Ministers Desk 9 September 2012

Over the past weeks I have been sharing with you some insights that Gordon MacDonald has written that help us identify the characteristics of a transformed Christian.  My intention in sharing these is to ask you to prayerfully reflect on your own life as a growing disciple and ask where you reflect the life of Christ and the areas in which you are not yet transformed.  Remembering always a Christ follower is always on a journey and in this life we never reach the destination.  Here are points seven and eight.  I encourage you to read all of the points.  If you do not have them please contact the church office, or access past copies of the notice sheet on the website.

“Is aware of personal ‘call’ and unique competencies. In other words, ‘It's not about me, but about what has been entrusted to me and what can be offered to others’. The transforming Christ-follower believes he has been given a mission. Usually, if you ask, he can put that mission into words.

“We are not speaking of pastors and missionaries only, but all of us. Part of spiritual transformation seems to include a growing sensitivity to a ‘call,’ something ‘out there’ that needs doing in the name of Jesus.

“And with the sensitivity comes a capability often called a spiritual gift. It is exhilarating to watch a young Christ-follower awaken to a power given him by the fullness of the Holy Spirit. At first there may be reluctance, even fear. There can be awkwardness, even some failure.

“And then, like a young rose exposed to sunlight, the transforming Christian begins to blossom. God's Spirit anoints with unexpected power and vision, and sometimes you hear one say, ‘I was made for this’."

 

“Is merciful and generous. The amazing Barnabas is our model. We first meet him as the church's best example of generosity.

“We see him taking risks when he welcomes Saul of Tarsus to the circle of believers in Jerusalem. It's Barnabas who observes a fledgling church (Antioch) trying out new styles of church life and refrains from squelching them. In fact he applauds.

“Barnabas mentors Saul on their first missionary campaign, yet relinquishes his leadership position when Paul is mature enough to find his own way.

“Our last sight of Barnabas? Standing up for John Mark who needs another chance to rebound from an earlier failure. How typical of this man.
I wish the larger world of our day saw in Christians a more Barnabas-like spirit of generosity, encouragement, and mercy.”