I recently read an article which contrasted the ideas of ambition and meekness. It questioned how Jesus words to "make disciples of all nations" and to do "greater things" than even he did compared with statements about the meek inheriting the earth and the poor in spirit being blessed.
I believe this thinking stems from a flawed concept of change. The problem we face when we think of changing the world is that, most often, the mental picture that comes to mind is a packed sanctuary or a globally recognized non-profit.
In reality neither of these things necessarily leads to change. Effectively engaging culture, while important, is not change. Just because every millennial listens to the podcast, reads the book, or buys the shoes does not mean anything has really changed.
The fact is that lasting change is not legislation.
Change is not business.
Change is not even leadership.
Each of these can be- and should be- used to bring it about and can be necessary for immediate action and justice. But they are not change in and of themselves.
The only way for change to be a lasting and effective venture is to change people. The one's singing the songs, buying the clothes, walking in the marches, and handing out the food have to experience real heart transformation for it to be more than an event.
Change is person to person. When we think of world changers we think too quickly of celebrity leaders and too slowly of nameless mentors working with inner city kids. Jesus was meek. He sought out the poor and lowly. He hung out with the outcasts. He rarely did something to promote himself. On occasion He actually pleaded with people to not promote his name. It was what he did that attracted attention. Specifically, it was what he did for other people. He accepted them, forgave them, healed them, fed them, and then died for them.
Change is life on life. Change starts and ends with people who genuinely experience hope and are compelled to share it. Poor legislation and bad lighting can foster transformation though humble people and servant's hearts. Beautifully written policies and worship albums can cause serious damage without them.
When Jesus told us to do great things and to reach the world He was reminding us to be meek and to be servants because that is how the world is reached.
I believe this thinking stems from a flawed concept of change. The problem we face when we think of changing the world is that, most often, the mental picture that comes to mind is a packed sanctuary or a globally recognized non-profit.
In reality neither of these things necessarily leads to change. Effectively engaging culture, while important, is not change. Just because every millennial listens to the podcast, reads the book, or buys the shoes does not mean anything has really changed.
We have seen evidence that even laws, though an important step, do not necessarily lead to change. Just because people have to follow the rules or they'll get in trouble doesn't mean that they care or sacrifice for the cause. Killing people is illegal in most of the world. This hasn't led most of the advanced world to put much effort into stopping the killing that we do not commit or does not effect us. Dietrich Bonhoeffer said that "Silence in the face of evil is itself evil: God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act." Making a rule to stop people from doing something doesn't change hearts anymore that ending slavery stopped racism.
The fact is that lasting change is not legislation.
Change is not business.
Change is not even leadership.
Each of these can be- and should be- used to bring it about and can be necessary for immediate action and justice. But they are not change in and of themselves.
The only way for change to be a lasting and effective venture is to change people. The one's singing the songs, buying the clothes, walking in the marches, and handing out the food have to experience real heart transformation for it to be more than an event.
Change is person to person. When we think of world changers we think too quickly of celebrity leaders and too slowly of nameless mentors working with inner city kids. Jesus was meek. He sought out the poor and lowly. He hung out with the outcasts. He rarely did something to promote himself. On occasion He actually pleaded with people to not promote his name. It was what he did that attracted attention. Specifically, it was what he did for other people. He accepted them, forgave them, healed them, fed them, and then died for them.
Change is life on life. Change starts and ends with people who genuinely experience hope and are compelled to share it. Poor legislation and bad lighting can foster transformation though humble people and servant's hearts. Beautifully written policies and worship albums can cause serious damage without them.
When Jesus told us to do great things and to reach the world He was reminding us to be meek and to be servants because that is how the world is reached.
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