Get Moving! - Mike
As I think about our Missional Communities sign ups drawing to a close, I just want to share with you something that I have learned, am still learning, and has truly made a difference in my life. I was reminded of it because I had the chance to share it today with someone from emergence while serving at the Wanaque Care Center.
This person was thinking about how to get more deeply involved in activities that would help them to flourish spiritually and would help them to make more of a difference for the Kingdom in their daily lives. But this person was "stuck," not knowing what to do.
The suggestion I made is from David Allen's book, Ready For Anything, chapter 51: "It's easier to move when you are in motion."
Here's what he says:
"In karate you quickly learn that when you're sparring with an opponent, you never stop moving. It's much easier to respond and move quickly - even when you need to go in the opposite direction - if you're already in motion. It takes much more effort to begin to move than to change direction."
I have found this to be amazingly true, and I know for certain as I look back on my life, that God has used this "law of motion" in my life and the lives of my family to great effect.
"That's not spiritual, it's karate." you may say.
True enough.
My "spiritualized" answer: "Jesus said, "Follow me." Where's He taking you?"
If you don't know the answer to that - and it is quite ok if you don't, at least for a while - then you need to get in motion so that He can move you where he wants to use you. When I started some years ago to make changes/choices in my life in order to pursue God more fully, I had no idea where it would lead me. I had to trust and do something that seemed very scary but nonetheless a step in the right direction.
That may well be where you are now with Missional Communities. Take the step even if it is a little scary. I guarantee you it will not be the end of your journey.
But it will get you in motion.