On gift and mission

Many years ago I had one client that grew to be a sizable account. The love and alignment were mutual, and they put me on stage quite literally around the world as an independent industry analyst and trainer of virtual presentation skills. In their eyes, I was the evangelist with “wrote books” cred…and more than once they tried to hire me.

My answer to them? “Are you going to create a unique position, approved by the CEO, that matches what you want me to do for you? Or do I get hired into an existing role and spend my weeks in meetings and things that keep me from doing the things you love about what I do for you?”

You know the answer.

It’s part of why I’m passionate about how God originally designed us, and how we grow in two ways that are both relational: how’s my relationship with God? And how did He wire and gift me, including the gifts of experience like tragedy and success, to agape others?

It began with much pre-Jesus search for self, but it was my version of being a hippie in light of a church I knew didn’t represent Truth as best I could tell. Mind you, I was the 80s version of a hippie, but much like the Jesus Movement, it was rooted in a search for truth. Fortunately the long and winding and unnecessary road is something God redeems in the most profound ways, right?

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God. ~2 Corinthians 1:3-4, CSB

Theologies are useful, as are frameworks, and I’ve deeply studied those and enjoy them geekily. But you know what’s more fun? Watching Jesus light up their world (and I don’t say that in pastorish way, I mean it selfishly!):

It’s the pleasure of seeing the Holy Spirit work in and through somebody AND that somebody growing in their own amazement at belovedness and giftedness. Because God first loved them…not only redemptively, but enough to have been designed for His good, right, and true purposes from the very start. Like Jesus for the sake of others.

I always like the way big-brain guys like Abraham Kuyper and John Calvin referred to “self knowledge before God.” We learn deeply about ourselves in relationship, first with God.

It’s why we grab the Bible over and over and over. Maybe even have it in hand and heart as we go to work. We don’t fear vain philosophies or systems that bear lies or half-truths. We’ve delegated duty and authority for the King, power in His Spirit, on His mission…right where you are.

He made you to flourish in relationship. The Holy Spirit is who Jesus (and the Father) gave you. Because He loves you that much. Now go and do likewise.