“Be the change you want to see in the world.” This is a quote or idea that has been around for long enough that it might even be heard as cliché by some. However, there is a deep truth within it: that which we most want to convey or teach to others we must model and live out ourselves. People can hear you give instructions, they can hear you opine on the right course of action in any arena of life, or they can hear you lament when you want to see things change; but what impacts people the most is when they see you live what you believe, providing a model for them of how to live it themselves.
Of course, this truth has huge implications for us as Christians: no matter what we say or what we think; how we actually live is our functional, living sermon to the world of the truth of Jesus Christ and His power. Therefore, the supreme challenge for us as believers is to embody and actually place into practice the doctrines we profess. This is the only we way we can truly impact our current world and the generations to come.
We have been talking for months about the direction of Heritage Church; about being people who belong to the Body of Christ, become like Jesus, and who bless the world; about being people who value authentic connection, passionate pursuit of God, and bold living; but now we are coming into the time of taking what we say and living it. To be the church that God has called us to be, we must live the mission and values we profess. For sure, any deep change in our actions or character takes time, but to fundamentally be the people we say we want to be has to start with the Holy Spirit changing our hearts, shining a light on our hearts and showing us any place where our lives do not match our words.
So here is my prayer for this month: “Holy Spirit come and change my heart. Make me truly become what I profess. In all that I do, let my life preach Jesus.” I hope you will join me in this prayer, so that as we discuss the future of Heritage Church and strive toward that to which God has called us we won’t be a people known for saying one thing but living another; but instead, we will be a people who live out every word, motion, and step in Jesus’ Name. A church that lives like that is a church that will stand out. It is a church that will make disciples and that will have an eternal impact as people are drawn to the light of Jesus through a gospel they see lived in real-time in our lives. O Lord Jesus, come and make us that church. Amen!
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