Devotional -

Initiative to Lead ( 21 February )

I remember you in my prayers and ask the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, to give you the Spirit, who will make you wise and reveal God to you, so that you will know him. I ask that your minds may be opened to see his light, so that you will know what is the hope to which he has called you, how rich are the wonderful blessings he promises his people, and how very great is his power at work in us who believe. This power working in us is the same as the mighty strength which he used when he raised Christ from death and seated him at his right side in the heavenly world. Christ rules there above all heavenly rulers, authorities, powers, and lords; he has a title superior to all titles of authority in this world and in the next. God put all things under Christ's feet and gave him to the church as supreme Lord over all things. The church is Christ's body, the completion of him who himself completes all things everywhere.
Ephesians 1:16-23

What is the calling for believers who are growing in the faith? We are to follow the Messiah, to be his agents in this world, to be like him, and to carry his authority and Spirit within us. He is the head of the church, his body. In a similar fashion, as we relate to the world around us, we are called to be as "the head and not the tail," bearing the conviction of our faith, displaying Messiah's influence and authority.

To be the head essentially means to take the lead. The head thinks, observes, tests, and makes decisions. The difference between the head and the tail is the difference between a child and a parent, a soldier and his commander, or a worker and his boss.

As believers, we are called to be involved in society, to have a vision, and to be those who initiate, not those who just follow the lead of the world. But who are we that can know what to do and bring about change? God says that we grow in faith as we know how great is the wisdom and power available to us. Jesus is the head, the source of wisdom and power; he entered into the world, and God used him.

God wants to use us to influence the world around us, and he can do so beyond our ability to imagine it. He sees what we cannot. He can change us and use us even in our weakness. As soon as we agree with God and are ready for him to use us, he will.

Where has God put you? Where can you be an influence? Look for and expect opportunities to do more, to be active in your church and in your community. Then you will see how God will work in and through your life!

- 21 FEBRUARY -