Effectiveness

Reviewing recent “Barnabas Aid” reports about people suffering for their beliefs in many parts of the world, I was again disturbed at the violence and injustices that were reported. Having minority or majority status has little bearing on whether or not a people group is targeted for persecution.

Erwin Lutzer, in his book, “Is God on America’s Side?” mentions what he calls the “rush to ruin” of contemporary culture, and suggests that an effective response to our confused downward spiral includes the Gospel of Jesus Christ. But not just in terms of concepts and precepts, but also in terms of lives lived out consistent with those truths. That persevering consistency includes the mercy and grace that Jesus practiced towards those opposed to Him. It also includes risking rejection for reaching out to others with the kindness of God that defines the Gospel.

Jesus demonstrated three realizations required for perseverance toward His redemptive goal. First, He knew who He was – the Son of God and the Son of Man, the Messiah foretold in the Scriptures. Second, He knew why He was here – for redemption of mankind by His atoning sacrifice for our sins in our place. Third, He kept His eye on the prize – “Let us run with endurance the race that has been set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who, for the joy set before Him, endured the cross despised the shame and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God…” (Hebrews 12:1-2)

Knowing who we are, why we are, and staying focused on the prize, we too can persevere in presenting an effective message of grace to our hurting culture - even in the face of opposition and trials. Troubles should be expected; no easy path here. It’s a cross-country run with lots of up and lots of down. Let’s finish well – and effectively.