Are you called?

Several years ago I attended a workshop with Scott Dyer at the Willow Arts Conference. He spoke about their volunteer culture at their church and gave some great insights into the differences between being a volunteer and a called servant of Jesus. There is so much truth to this list and I recently came across it in some of my files. I thought I would share it for those of you who are either "volunteers" or who lead others.

“When God has put His call on you, woe be to you if you turn to the right hand or to the left. He will do with you what He never did with you before the call came; He will do with you what He is not doing with other people. Let Him have His way.” --Oswald Chambers

• A volunteer looks upon rehearsal as another commitment they’ve been obligated to fulfill, but someone who is called of God looks forward to rehearsal as another opportunity to be used of God.
• A volunteer looks upon any constructive criticism with indignation, but someone who is called of God is grateful for feedback because he wants to be the best he can be.
• A volunteer puts in minimum effort, but someone who is called of God puts in maximum effort.
• A volunteer sits back and complains about this and that bothering him, but someone who is called of God leads a personal campaign to improve that which needs improvement.
• A volunteer feels threatened by the talent of others, but someone who is called of God praises God for distributing gifts and talents as He chooses.
• A volunteer does no outside practicing or preparation, but someone who is called of God comes to rehearsals and a performance as prepared as possible.
• A volunteer wants to quit at the first sign of adversity or discouragement, but one who is called of God digs in and perseveres.
• A volunteer is oblivious to the needs of his ministry, but someone who is called of God prays over the needs of his ministry.
• A volunteer is more prone to jealousy of others, but someone who is called of God praises God for distributing gifts and talents as He chooses.
• A volunteer avoids resolving relational conflict, but someone who is called of God seeks to resolve relational conflict for the sake of unity in the Church.
• A volunteer’s main source of fulfillment is their talent and abilities, but someone who is called of God knows that being used of God is the most fulfilling thing you can do with your life.
• A volunteer can’t handle being put in situations where they are going to be “stretched”, but someone who is called of God responds to God’s call with humble dependence on Him.

I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Ephesians 4:1 (NIV)

Are you living and serving where you are called or are you simply a volunteer?

Reflections on The Lord's Prayer

I can't believe it's been so long since my last post. Hopefully I can find a better rhythm to this blogging thing.

Anyway, I was recently reading a lesson in "The Spiritual Disciplines Companion" about prayer that led to an interesting journal entry on The Lord's Prayer. When I took a deeper look at this prayer that I have known for some time now, I was surprised by the insights that came. Here's are those thoughts...

Our Father,

Father. What an incredible father you are--full of authority, full of love. Our father--You are not just my father, but are father to many. I am a part of a larger family, the body of Christ. So much of the time, I don't see others. Forgive me for those times.

Who art in heaven,

You are in a place I long to be. You are waiting an dpreparing for the arrival of your children. Sometimes, though, I feel like you're miles away.

hallowed by your name.

This is about your name, not mine. Your name is to be revered, cherished, treasured above all others. You reign over us. Forgive me when I have made all of this about me.

Your kingdom come.

I want your kingdom's characteristics to be evident on earth. Help us to live in your kingdom now. show us your plan for our lives--our relationships, our priorities, our words and actions--great and small. This is about Your kingdom, not one I'm building.

Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Your will. Here. Now. Nothing more. Nothing less. Nothing else.

Give us today our daily bread.

We are only promised today and I know you will provide for us today. Each day is new with new challenges and new mercies. You will meet our needs--not our extravagant wants. All that we are given comes from you.

forgive us our debts...

I am in desperate need of your forgiveness. I mess up. Over and over again. I know that I fall short. I know that I will never be able to make up the difference without your grace and mercy.

as we forgive our debtors.

I'm not sure I want you to forgive me the way I forgive others, though. I'm not always as compassionate as I want you to be. Change that about me. Help a well of compassion to grow within me so I can extend to others the kind of forgiveness I want to receive.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

If you are going to lead me anywhere, that means I have to follow. Help me to follow you with the kind of focus that keeps my eyes on the goal. Protect me from evil. Guard me and keep the enemy from my life, my heart, my mind, my family, those I love.

for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.