Shut Yo Mouth

posted 07.29.09 by Christian

I recently spoke to close to three thousand high school football players at a confernace in
Georgia, and God moved in a powerful way. Close to 600 recommitments to Christ and 350 first time salvation decisions. 

Walls of racisim were broken down as well as social barriers that always seem to exist with the teen culture today. Coaches humbled themselves and made radical changes to coach their players with integrity and lead them in a relationship with Christ. Tears were shed, teamates locked arms in prayer, hands were lifted in powerful worship, the word was preached, and the insults flew from the religious arrogant. What's out of place in that passage? Let's try it again. Lives were changed, names were written in the Lambs Book of Life, God was praised, people were excited, the love of Jesus was felt, and the Pharisees were out in full force to throw water on the Spirits fire. 

Who are these people? Where do they come from? Why do they come at all? Well in this case it was a husband and wife team, sending e-mails enforming people they didn't feel God was in the service and the young men that made choices to follow Jesus was driven more on emotion than the Spirit. When it's right is when we understand that we all worship in different ways and we all have differnet gifts that God can use to accomplish His will on this earth. When it's wrong is when people start to think that if it doesn't happen there way then it's not from God and should be stopped at all cost. 

I will never forget this old pastor who gave me an illustration once that helped me see through my arrogance early in my ministry days. It came to me at time when I needed it most, a time when I felt I had the only key to unlock the mysteries of heaven and earth. This old pastor put his arm around me after a heated staff meeting and said  "Son, there are many ways to get into a pond. Some choose to walk in slow while others choose to run wide open splashing all the way. Others will go to the far side of the pond where there is a rope swing hanging from a tree while others will choose to dive in from the dock. But there is one thing they all have in common." "What's that Sir" I replied. Then he leaned over and whispered in my ear "They all get you wet."

My life and ministry apporach had a spiritual awakining that day. It's not all about me, it's about God. We need to let our mouths lift up and encourage the body of Christ even when they decide to dive in from the dock while we prefer to walk in slowly. After all, no matter how we choose to get there, it all gets us wet.

Next time you see something that just doesn't fit your way of worship or something done in a different way than you would do it, don't critisize what you don't understand. Praise God that He can use us all in different ways to accomplish one purpose, and that purpose is for all to have a relationship with His Son.

Think of it this way. A baseball team has a group of nine players trying to compete and win the game. All working together for one singular purpose, to win!!! Think of how powerful the body of Christ would be if we all pulled together and stopped letting our petty differences tear us apart. With us being millions strong world wide we would be an unstoppable force. Exactly the way God intended us to be, together in our efforts for the greater good. (Acts 2:42-47).   

I love and forgive these people and pray that God would teach us all how to serve Him more effectively. Remember it's not how ya get in that counts, only that you get wet!!! Peace.