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RENDEZVOUS

Invest Physically; Reap Spiritually

by Jim Parks, Associate Director

Have you noticed how many of the catchy product slogans that flash across the TV screen take on a greater meaning when applied to the Christian life. For example, the Air Force’s "Aim High" or Chevy’s "Solid Like a (the) Rock" would both be good mottos for Christian living. My personal favorite is: "Be all that you can be—Join the (Lord’s) Army."

If ever there was an appropriate byword to describe our collective activity this summer in the Mission it would be "Invest physically to reap spiritually." God is continuing to do an incredible work here. It is of course but a small glimpse of the work He is doing worldwide as He continues to call people to faith from every tribe, language, and nation.

Consider the construction of churches (Lone Rock, Condon, and Hot Springs), the ongoing construction at both camps, and the preparation being done for summer youth outreach (Pathwalkers, and camp). We see the physical evidence of what God is accomplishing spiritually in our communities. We are most privileged to participate with Him in the great work He is doing.

Galatians 4:3 and 5:1 place a framework around this privilege of participation. Paul details how we have been set free by Christ from the principles and mindset of the world. We have been set free to live life to its fullest, with a power-filled, eternal perspective. Galatians 6:6-9 points out that one of the ways this privileged lifestyle expresses itself is by our physical investment of finances, skill, time, and energy, knowing that at the perfect time our Father will use this to produce a lasting, eternal harvest.

What really intrigues me is that our Great Creator God in the wisdom of His master plan allows our temporal endeavors to have an eternal effect through Him. What an outlet for the regenerate personality! What a design for our existence!

So, this summer, whether you are pounding nails on a new church or a new camp building, or "being all that you can be" as a VBS worker or camp counselor, remember the intense privilege you have been given through Christ of "investing physically to reap spiritually."