Activities vs. Results?

It's been several months since we last shared a "real conversation." While I've missed sharing inspirational messages, life took me on a different path than I had planned on going and I got off course. Our family recently relocated to a new state for a job opportunity at a new company. While it's been a tremendous blessing, it's also taken time to get into a new rhythm. We finally found a church home, and now that I'm plugged into the Word again on a regular basis, the inspiration is starting to flow. I'm glad to be back!

Have you ever thought about what results you have to show for being a Christian? I work at a Fortune 500 company, and as a business leader one of the metrics that's really important is return on investment--also known as ROI--a measure of how much sales you generate for every $1 you spend or invest. With so many choices on how to spend limited dollars, time, and resources, we obviously want to maximize the ROI to generate more sales, profit, and production, and eliminate choices that yield poor returns. The same principle applies to our Christian walk - we need to get the most "bang for our buck" and yield tangible results.

So, what is our job description as a follower of Christ? It's simple: to become disciples and disciple makers. You see, there's a big difference between people who follow Christ and church folk. It's easy for church folk to get caught up in form and fashion, ritual and routine, drama and dance, music and ministries...in essence, activity. The preachers' messages can move us to shouting, dancing, tears and praise that purify our hearts and give honor to God. I can't tell you how many Sundays I've left church feeling encouraged, uplifted, restored or joyful from the ministries I've participated in, or simply just being in the number. Yet, that isn't our job and, to be honest, the benefits don't extend far beyond my pew. As Christians, God gave a simple command in the form of a job description - it's the Great Commission.

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." Matthew 28:19-20

As Christians, we have a specific assignment to complete, and just like any job, there's an expectation that we produce results. So if you had to write an annual performance review, would your Christian resume list results like saving souls, teaching others, or uplifting those who are downtrodden, or would it be filled with activities that only make you feel good? I've realized that I can have a perfect attendance record at church or be involved in countless ministries, and while I feel good doing these things, if they don't lead anyone to Christ or encourage people to have a stronger relationship with Him, I haven't done my job.

In my pursuit of Christ, I want the highest possible return on investment on my investment of dollars, time, energy and resources. Instead of going to church now just to worship and be encouraged, I now learn so I can teach, and teach so people can be saved and save others. It's put a whole new meaning to what so easily becomes a Sunday morning church routine.

This revelation has renewed my commitment to this newsletter because it is a vehicle through which I can be that disciple that God called us all to be. I spend time studying and praying for inspiration so that these messages will draw you closer to God, help strengthen your relationships with others, and enable you, too, to be a disciple and disciple-maker, which is all God really expects us to do. When it's all said and done, I don't want to simply spend my time running on the proverbial treadmill of Christian routines, I want to be a top performer who generates results. Will you join me in this pursuit? Until next time...