When I think about those who have gone before us in spreading the Gospel – i.e. William Carey, Adoniram Judson, Amy Carmichael, Mother Teresa, the Apostle Paul – and the struggles, battles, and persecutions that they faced, I realize that the intensity and the fervency in bringing Christ to our spheres today should be no different. However, many of us will look at the Transformasphere Movement and use it as an excuse to move towards a life of greater comfort and security.
The rationalization will happen along these lines: “Great! I can be a high paying executive at XYC Company, making a difference for Christ!” or “I’ve got to study to get the straight A’s because that way I can get that influential position and make a worldwide difference for Jesus!”
Sounds great, right? Oh, that the heart is deceptive above all.
The problem is that for many of us, what is really being said is the following:
• “I really want to get that high position as CEO because it will give me status and make me look great. Oh, and Christ can get glorified through this.”
• “I need to get straight A’s because my parents are expecting that of me. I don’t want to displease them. Oh, and in the process, Christ will get the glory.”
The issue with the above is that Christ is ancillary to the first priority: the self. We are all called to serve Christ and to suffer alongside with him on the road to Calvary, not live lives for ourselves. And this call is not just for those who are called into professional ministry.
The challenge for many of us who join the Transformasphere Movement is to flee from rationalization. I’ve been leading small group for over five years and have seen this happen to so many members, including myself! The call of Christ is radical living for the Kingdom. It’s making decisions and expending our resources not so that we can serve ourselves, but that the service is in Christ. Whether it is in business, or health, or whatever it may be, it is a movement towards following Jesus, not following our own ambitions.
As we join together to see Christ enthroned in every nation, it will be important for all of us to remember and to remind ourselves that this is not about me, but about Christ. Truth be told, I sometimes forget who I am serving when I go to work. I often rationalize away decisions all in the name of Christ; in reality, I’m not serving Him whatsoever, but trying to improve my resume or Etrade portfolio.
I pray that when people see us who are on board with the Transformasphere Movement living out our lives, they would see a passion for Christ and an intensity and zeal to shine the light of Jesus similar to the missionaries who have gone before us.
As in the words of one my heroes of the faith, William Borden: “No reserves. No retreats. No regrets."