Is Jesus Enough?

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I came across a passage in Philippians that rocked me full-on. Paul is writing to the Philippian church explaining that he wants to send someone to help them, stand with them and to build the church with them. He explains his decision to send Timothy and says:

"I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ."

This last sentence really underlined itself to me - Paul is talking about his team, his crew, the people he does life with and there actually being only one person among them who he trusts enough to represent Christ's interests.

As I read this I thought of all the mixed motives I have for engaging in certain activities that build the church - does my convenience rank higher than my obedience? Do I slip my own small print in there from time to time?; Have I got a few "selfish ambitions and vain conceits" swirling around in a heart that genuinely wants to serve God - of course I have!

I thought of how Jesus himself managed people and how didn't allow the disciples to complicate their ministry, by jostling for position and promotion, trying to call down fire on people who they didn't like and pushing people away who desperately needed a miracle! Here's a case in point from the Message translation of Mark 10:

James and John, Zebedee's sons, came up to him. "Teacher, we have something we want you to do for us."

"What is it? I'll see what I can do."

"Arrange it," they said, "so that we will be awarded the highest places of honor in your glory—one of us at your right, the other at your left."

At least they came out and asked for it!! As you can imagine this didn't go down well will the other 10 disciples:
"When the other ten heard of this conversation, they lost their tempers with James and John. Jesus got them together to settle things down." You've observed how godless rulers throw their weight around," he said, "and when people get a little power how quickly it goes to their heads. It's not going to be that way with you. Whoever wants to be great must become a servant. Whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave. That is what the Son of Man has done: He came to serve, not to be served—and then to give away his life in exchange for many who are held hostage."

It would be be funnier if i didn't recognise myself in these boys -  Jesus frustration seems to be " Guys you are making mountains out of molehills and slowing down the kingdoms coming and the salvation of my people! Get yourself out of the way!"

The good news is that Jesus shows us the same grace that He showed his disciples. Every day is a school day isn't it? I believe as we push past our own ego and learn the value of prefering each other, improving our serve, loving what Jesus loves and living by this servant leadership model then God is obligated by His word to bless our work! And that's what we want!  - When we become safe to keep the keys of His kingdom, love people, grow in grace and lead more diligently, then we "accidentally" walk into the significance we often long for  - except that now it it doesn't mean nearly as much to us. Our role becomes important because of WHO we are serving not WHAT were doing......Have we got one eye on an album we want to make, a touring opportunity, a financial deal, a profile shift a promotion? A crowd, a speaking opportunity, a solo, a "big" song that everybody loves and wants to sing around the world, a badge, a title? All these activities are good, but only with Christ at the centre of them!
 
There are many things to distract us so heres the question I'm asking myself "Is Jesus enough?" Is it enough that i please Him offstage, that i am know loved and accepted by The King of the universe? Am i resting and trusting in His timing and grace and unfailing love for me?

I've got a ways to go but  I'm on the journey, the road less travelled.......here is my comfort

"And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns" Philippians 1v 6

Stay in touch, hope we see you soon...
Matt

Comments:

Posted by 'Franksingtonator' on Friday, March 20, 2009 3:54 PM

This is sobering but very timely. I love what you've written here, honestly and no messing around. Obviously I agree with what you've said bro and experiencing this is the only way to learn the lesson. On this issue, I can recommend Bob Sorge's book that I have read recently, "Dealing with the praise and rejection of man". The answers he gives in it are central to the health of each of us, especially involved in music and song. Jesus is way enough! "I keep on asking the Father that the Spirit of wisdom and revelation would be upon you that you would know jesus better" Eph.1:17

Posted by 'paul das sona' on Monday, May 11, 2009 9:01 AM

I love jesus and my self sumet ingod hand

Posted by 'MUM' on Thursday, March 19, 2009 11:45 AM

hello! this is timely. I have been recently thinking "I am 60 in July ..help!!!. Have I found out if I am doing what God wants of me yet" Will I ever know etc? Maybe I should panic less and put Jesus 1st eh?Anyway. one great achievement is being Mum to 3 fab Hoopers! XX

Posted by 'Jonathan' on Friday, August 14, 2009 11:57 AM

Jesus is all we could ever want or hope for. We cannot serve Him and others while at the same time catering to our own selfish desires and motives (Matt 6:23-25)... something's gotta give, and there is really only one choice if we are wise!

Posted by 'Andrew' on Wednesday, April 08, 2009 3:34 PM

Thank you. We need reminded so often of this. 2 Timothy 2:22 "...pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart." Our focus is Him, and His heart, and all blessings come in abundance thru that - not the other way around!

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