As we head into the new year, I have a simple thought based on a quote from Oswald Chambers. This quote is the basis for the title of His resilient book “My Utmost for His Highest.”
Not often, but every once in a while, God brings us to a major turning point–a great crossroads in our life. From that point we either go toward a more and more slow, lazy, and useless Christian life, or we become more and more on fire, giving our utmost for His highest–our best for His glory.
I cannot determine what the church at large will do as it continually comes to these turning points. I cannot decide for others how they will face life when such crossroads present themselves. But I can ask myself, as I head into 2017, am I at or near such a place of choice. And do I want to settle into the predictable and comfortable Christian life that I inevitably slosh into over time, or am I willing to face forward into whatever adventure God is calling me to in order to give myself fully to it?
For me, the paradigm of simple/house/organic church is not about a way to do church but a calling to continue to find Jesus in the stuff of life, follow Him, and pursue His adventurous calling while refusing to get boxed in by anything that wants to pull me back into the lazy boxes of yesteryear.
I invite you to face forward with me toward His highest and best.
Comments
5 responses to “Toward His Highest and Best”
Yes and amen. Let it be so in me.
I’m in!!! }:- ❤️👍
Hi Roger,
I am curious whether you have ever been in a situation like this. I live in an area where there are NO house churches within 50 -60 miles. That one is just too far for me. Also, they are into the strict New Testament restoration modes. Women are not allowed to speak and I do not share this opinion. So, in my area there are ZERO, ZIP, NADA house churches. When I share these ideas with people I get a blank stare or the tar and feathers appear. To this point I have settled for internet fellowship, which frankly is very satisfying to me. I so wrestle with a conviction that people in the church should hear about the real freedom they can experience in Christ, but up to this point I have found no takers. In the past, some house churches have started up but the people have moved away or they have disbanded. I agree with you that the foundation has to be a willingness to hear and obey Christ and if we do that individually, why not do it corporately. If we share this conviction then traditional church becomes somewhat useless. Well, I am rambling. Any thoughts?
You are not alone, Tom. Many, many people will relate to your situation. I am glad that you are walking in freedom and finding fellowship where you can. Sometimes the best place to find new-wineskin fellowship is not among those who are already in the old wineskin. In other words, looking outside of those already-saved may be the best place to begin looking. Just one un-believing neighbor or friend may be the best place to begin ‘church.’ Not in the formal sense, but in the sense of food, friendship, and spiritual conversation at some point. This may be the best place to find people who are not already molded into the traditional ways. Just a thought. I will also mention that I am going to be offering my course again soon, which is a good place to fellowship, online, with other like-minded folk: http://www.simplechurchrevolution.com/coursedescription.htm
I’m in, even as we’ve begun to attend a non-simple church for resources for our teenagers… God transcends all the boxes.