The Pain of Progress
Beware, if you are going to stand up and make a difference, PEOPLE WILL CRITICIZE YOU. It is during those unpleasant times of criticism that you have the opportunity to learn a lot about who you are and what you believe. In those tough times, it is important to remember this very important principal… THERE IS NO PROGRESS WITHOUT PAIN! The pain of progress has taught me some interesting things that apply to anyone who is trying to make a difference. Here’s six things I have learned through the pain of progress...
1. The Fear of man cripples you!
When God calls you to do something, expect opposition. If you listen to the opposition, you will be crippled and rendered useless. Imagine with me a sleek red Porsche burning up the road, zipping around the corners and flashing by all the other cars. The driver is focused on the road ahead and the thrill of the ride when he sees guys with big bold signs that say “YOU ARE GOING THE WRONG WAY,” “YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING” OR “YOU SHOULD LET SOMEONE ELSE DRIVE.” The driver takes his eyes off the road to read the signs long enough to lose control and find himself wrapped around a tree. Those who would rather stand and watch instead of joining the race have crippled him. When God calls you to do something and he has confirmed it with his word and the blessing of wise counsel, Go for it and don’t let the fear of man’s opinion cripple you.
God says… "The Fear of man will prove to be a snare; but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe." Proverbs 29: 25
2. Everyone has an opinion and most of them are just preferences!
Most seemingly moral issues are really just preferences. People will passionately try to convince you that something is a morally wrong when it’s really just their preference. God leaves a lot of freedom in the Bible. God gives you the freedom to choose on disputable issues. God gives you freedom when the Bible doesn’t give any clear direction. Some people want to steal your freedom because they are not free. God says don’t let them.
God says…"Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters. One man's faith allows him to eat everything, but another man, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. The man who eats everything must not look down on him who does not, and the man who does not eat everything must not condemn the man who does, for God has accepted him. Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand." Roman 14:1-4
3. Vision divides.
Vision divides. Vision is a statement that says we are going this way. It closes off all other possibilities. It clarifies for everyone where we are going. It draws those who have the same vision and frustrates those who had a different vision. Those who had hoped for a different direction find themselves with three options. One, accept the vision and get in line with it. Two, do nothing and remain frustrated. Third, move on. When you clarify the vision, expect division. Jesus was always causing division and people had to choose to follow or move on.
John says... "At these words the Jews were again divided." John 10:19
4. Most people would rather talk about making a difference rather than doing anything differently!
You have probably heard someone say, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results.” It’s true. Most people talk and dream about doing great things but they never do anything. I can dream about losing weight but if I am not going to do anything about it then I should just shut up. I can say, “I care about helping people experience new life through Jesus,” but if I am not willing to do anything, then I should probably really say, “I don’t care enough.”
God says.. "Much dreaming and many words are meaningless." Eccl 5:7
5. People are worth the effort.
How much is one life worth? This past week, as I passionately persuaded a young man back from the edge of suicide, I was totally convinced that he was worth it because, God proved he is worth it.
If you were to look at the state of most churches today, you would have to say one life is not worth much. They are content to keep the ones they’ve got and not excited about reaching people that aren’t like them. The cross is proof that every life is worth the pain and struggle. Some would rather argue over disputable matters rather than shed one tear for a lost coworker.
Paul says people are worth it…"However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace." Acts 20: 24
6. You can’t go wrong when you lift up Jesus!
Jesus really is the answer for the world today. When we talk about him, honor him and lift him up, he draws people to himself. This past weekend at Lanier Hills Church is proof. The place was packed out. Chairs were brought in from all over the building. The music was powerful. The redemption testimony was moving. But, when Jesus was exalted through the message, video and painting, the place was filled with God’s presence. All week long, people have shared that Sunday was the most anointed service they have ever been a part of. You can’t go wrong when you lift up Jesus!
Paul said... "Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 8: 31
Learning through the Pain! (I have to admit, I kind of enjoy it.)
Pastor Randall
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