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Possessed or Inspired!

by Greg VanFossen

What would possess an individual or family to let go of a comfortable lifestyle? Why would someone in their right mind let go of a reasonably well-paying job to go to some unfamiliar place at an exponential distance away from extended family?  What about the diseases and risks associated with travel in areas with an apparently lower standard for service? Why do something so unusual? 

    On the other hand, why be normal? Is “normal” something to be desired?  After all, it is becoming “normal” to have more than one wife, though in the U.S. the wives have to be chronological, not concurrent. Also consider the “normality” of just living with the girlfriend rather than

signing some contract. It is becoming “normal” to need antidepressant, antihypertensive, and antihyperlipi-demia medicines.  It is “normal” to be obese.  It is “normal” to work 40 hours a week and not afford medical insurance. “Normal” also seems to include owing on multiple credit cards and taking that exotic vacation because, as the marketing people say, “You deserve it!” 

    Jesus said:  “…wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:  Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it”(Matthew 7:13-14).  Need I state the obvious? Or is it obvious only to me?  “Normal” people are apparently not going to have eternal life if “normal” constitutes the majority.  I believe Noah was a fanatic in his day.  Was Elijah “normal”? 

What we do with what we have is not what saves us, but it indicates whose we are.

    There are a couple of assumptions made in the first set of questions that betray a flawed underlying perception of reality.  Leaving a “comfortable” lifestyle and “reasonably well-paying job” is like the proverbial frog needing to jump out of the warming water of materialism and the cares of this world which distract us from our true purpose in life.  I would suggest the “jump” is at the speed of a “tortoise”—only the motion is rapid.  The idea must percolate in the mind of the frog before the event occurs.  The comforts we learn to enjoy can be the means of our entrapment.  Leaving the comfortable lifestyle doesn’t necessarily mean moving geographically or even moving to another home. This may simply mean moving our habitual use of time and money to that which involves true sacrifice to accomplish kingdom priorities. What we do with what we have is not what saves us, but it indicates whose we are. Jesus came to this world to fulfill a plan that demonstrates God’s love and true leadership qualities, not only to this world, but also the universe.  Neither does the plan end with the judgment. If we want to survive this world’s endgame and sit on the throne with the king of the universe forever, we need to get with His plan. 

    When Jesus fed the 5000, he and the disciples acted out a parable (see John 6:1-14; Desire of Ages p.369).  Jesus broke the bread and gave it to the disciples who then took it to the people.  Notice the people were seated.  They didn’t come by a cafeteria-style counter or to a drive-thru window and pick up the food. The disciples took the food to them.  We can’t expect the world to come to us to be fed—we must go to them. Notice also that the disciples did not knead the dough, bake the bread, or in any way prepare it.  They simply received the bread and carried it to the people. We need to be careful not to “prepare” the Bread through the processes of our “tradition” or butter it so it may be more “palatable” for them. 

     The people ingested the bread and it became part of their being—we must partake of the Bread of Life so we will have the energy to carry it to those who are hungry.  If we do not partake, we will feel no desire to share with others. Our own decision to accept salvation from Jesus affects our willingness to be a witness for Him. If we don’t study the word of God under the influence of the Holy Spirit, we have nothing to share with others.  If we do, we will feel compelled to share.  This should happen in our current environment. Jesus stands at the door of our hearts and knocks. If we daily invite Him in to commune with us, He will lead us where we ultimately want to go.  If we are willing to give up our own plans to follow His plan, He will give us more than we can possibly imagine.

    When Jesus asked Peter who he thought He was, Peter responded by saying that Jesus is, “the Christ, The Son of the living God.”  Jesus then informed him that flesh and blood did not reveal that to him but that, “My Father” in heaven did (see Matt. 16:15-17). 

    In the context of these two situations (Jesus feeding the 5000 and His explanation of Peter’s understanding), we see that humans can provide information in word and action. No one else can say what I believe with greater authority than I. I must ask myself, “Is what I believe true?”  Pilate asked, “What is truth?” when The Truth was standing right before him (John 18:38).  If my word and action reflect a servant spirit, I am then capable of passing out the Word in its true form.

    So how can I know this is the direction God wants us to go?   I need to know God by studying His Word.  Then I will be familiar with the way God works.  I need to ask for and permit the Holy Spirit to work in me.  I need to be sensitive to events occurring around me and consider providential involvement.

    The bottom line is that I should be leaving the comforts like Jesus did, even if I am not changing my geographic location. I don’t have to go somewhere else to be generous with the love I’ve learned from God.  I don’t even need to leave my home.  After all, my own family is my first mission field.  If I do go somewhere else, the people I’m with become my neighbors and family.  If I share an accurate picture of Jesus, this will make people want to be in the same vicinity.  I am a missionary for someone no matter where I am.