Increasing Our Missional Intelligence: Loving God and Neighbor This Easter Season
Easter is a time of reflection, renewal, and most importantly, remembering the ultimate act of love: Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection. As we approach this pivotal moment in our faith, it's crucial to examine not just our understanding of the Gospel, but also our application of it in our daily lives. Are we merely passive observers, or active participants in God's mission?
We often talk about IQ (Intelligence Quotient) and EQ (Emotional Intelligence), but what about MQ – Missional Intelligence? Do we truly understand what we're called to do? Are we living out the Great Commission, not just in grand gestures, but in the everyday moments that shape our lives and the lives of those around us?
The Unexpected Exam: Are We Ready for God's Questions?
Imagine this: four college students, after a night of partying, concoct a story to avoid a final exam. They cover themselves in dirt and grease, claiming a flat tire ruined their morning. The dean, seemingly understanding, offers them a re-take in three days. They study relentlessly, confident they'll ace it. But the exam? Two questions: "Your Name" (1 point) and "Which tire burst?" (99 points).
This story, while humorous, underscores a powerful truth. We can prepare for the wrong questions, focusing on the minutiae while missing the essential. God isn't primarily concerned with our ability to recite doctrines or perform religious rituals. He's concerned with our hearts, our love for Him, and our love for our neighbors.
Who is God Calling Us to Bless?
1. Seeing Our Neighbor:
It's easy to say "everyone," but do we truly see the people around us? Like buying a new car and suddenly noticing that model everywhere, our perspective shifts when we intentionally focus. Our brains, through the Reticular Activating System (RAS), help us identify patterns. We can train our minds to see the people God wants us to reach.
2. Seeing Our Neighbors Around the World:
We must broaden our perspective beyond our immediate surroundings. Consider China, with its 1.5 billion people and countless unreached people groups. The Joshua Project highlights the vast number of people worldwide who have little to no access to the Gospel. When we see a nation on the news, let it be a prompt to pray for them.
3. Seeing Our Neighbors Around Us:
Our mission isn't just global; it's local. In our increasingly isolated culture, we often miss the opportunities to connect with those right next door. A simple act of kindness, a genuine conversation, can open doors to sharing the love of Christ.
What Will God Use to Bless Them?
Churches Known for Love, Not Just Rules:
Historically, religious communities have been known for their rules and regulations. But Jesus, in Mark 12:28-34, emphasizes the Greatest Commandment: to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves.
The Greatest Commandment: An Inward Attitude:
This isn't about outward obedience; it's about an inward attitude. It’s about the Shema, Deuteronomy 6:4-5, and Leviticus 19:18, combined into a powerful call to total devotion. It’s about loving God and others so deeply that our actions naturally reflect that love.
Love Shapes Us:
This love should permeate every aspect of our being:
Heart (Emotions): Expressing our love through worship, prayer, and emotional honesty.
Soul (Spirit): Living a life consciously aligned with God's will.
Mind (Knowledge): Growing in our understanding of God and His Word, and knowing how to share that knowledge.
Strength (Effort): Putting in the work to love and serve others.
How Can We Engage in This Mission?
BLESS Practices:
Begin with Prayer: Seeking God's guidance and direction.
Listen with Love: Paying attention to the needs and stories of others.
Eat with Them: Sharing meals and building relationships.
Serve Practically: Meeting tangible needs in our communities.
Share Your Story: Testifying to the transformative power of God in our lives.
Being a Witness:
Seattle, where our church is located, is one of the most religiously unreached cities in the country. Many are dechurched and have negative views on evangelism. Yet, they are open to authentic stories of faith.
Share your story: What was your life like before Christ? How did you experience God? How has your life changed?
A Call to Action This Easter Season:
As we approach Good Friday and Easter, let's not just reflect on Jesus' sacrifice, but actively participate in His mission. Let's increase our Missional Intelligence by seeing the people around us, loving them as Christ loves us, and sharing the hope of the Gospel.
Challenge:
This Easter, I challenge you to:
Identify three people in your life who need to experience the love of Christ.
Commit to praying for them daily.
Invite them to our Good Friday and Easter services. Share with them your story of what Jesus has done in your life.
Let us follow the example of David Livingstone, who saw his service as a privilege, not a sacrifice. May we, too, embrace the joy of sharing the love of Christ with a world that desperately needs it.
With You;
Pastor Tim
