Articles
Keep The Wind Blowing
I had some business that took me outside of town today, and on the way back, I noticed that none of the wind turbines were turning. There was no wind, None! Without the wind, obviously, the blades don't turn, the generator doesn't turn, and no electrical current is flowing. Nothing goes down the transmission lines, and no money is being made by the turbine company. They aren't producing any electricity.
If we keep to ourselves, hidden from sight, or even visible at times but always silent, we are like the absence of wind this morning. We are not affecting anyone, they are not benefiting, and everything is at a standstill, except it's not, because Satan is not sitting idly by. On the contrary, he is busy all the time. If we are to live God's commands to re-produce as Christians, teaching the Gospel, baptizing believers and making disciples (Matt 28:19-20, Mark 16:15-16), we can't be an absent wind, and expect the turbine blades to turn all on their own.
We need to be that breath of fresh air to a world that is choking from the smog of sin. We need to let our lives be the light that shines in dark and evil places. We must be a force that is in action, if we desire anything to be happening for the furtherance of God's kingdom on earth. In doing so, people will see that we aren't perfect either, but they will come to understand that is the very reason that we must have God's grace applied to our lives, to rescue us from an otherwise un-fixable situation.
It is so easy to get discouraged, shouted down, and ridiculed. Let's face it, the majority of people on this earth aren't interested in what we have to offer. Some believe, but differently than us, and they are resistant to a conversation challenging their doctrine. Most however, if they claim any belief, they don't pursue it. We see them getting their liberal and immoral agendas upheld by the courts, promoted by the media, and even our congress passing laws to advance their evil desires while trampling on our firmly held beliefs. That should not surprise us though, as the Bible in fact tells us to expect such behavior from people who are "lovers of themselves". (2 Tim 3:1-5) Jesus tells us the majority will be on the wrong path in this life, and to only expect a few to be on the path that "leads to life". (Matt 7:13-14)
When we do get the opportunity to plant spiritual seed in the hearts of people, remember Jesus said not all seed that is planted will produce a crop, and not all plants that spring up will survive. But our job is to plant the seed, water it, and allow God to oversee the rest according to His good pleasure. (Matt 13:3-7, 1 Cor 3:6) Some seed will grow, and in some cases will produce many times over what is sown. (Matt 13:8)
It's okay to have some down time, some time to rest, relax and regain our strength, certainly even Jesus demonstrated that. But let us not forget that if the blades are to turn, the wind must be blowing. May God direct our steps in such a fashion that we are effective in spreading the Gospel, displaying His love, and changing lives.
