As Jesus followers we are called into the Kingdom Life. This blog will help us converse and learn what that means. It will contain thoughts on Scripture, Sermon Reflection, Leadership Training and interesting reads. -Pastor Jeff

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Contagious Ethos = Core Values (Part 3)

Ok...so let's review.  Throughout this week we are looking at what makes the culture (ethos) of BridgeWay Contagious.  The leadership team of BridgeWay has been strategic throughout the life of the church to lay a foundation of core values that influence and affect everything that's a part of BridgeWay's Vision.  Some might say it is the DNA that runs through the life of the church.  So far we've dealt with:
1.)  Intentionality:  BridgeWay is picky, ensuring that what we do is in line with our Mission, Vision, and Strategy.  We always want to err on the side of being strategic instead of throwing stuff together or doing anything just because it's a good idea.
2.)  Transformation:  We value life change.  Period.  We long to create an environment where we arrive as we are but give God access to the deepest places of our lives to do a work of change...making all things new.  We seek to allow God to make us into the people God has created us to be. 

Today...let's deal with number 3!

3.)  100% Commitment to Christ:  This morning I was deeply convicted.  I was reading in the book of Joshua and in the 14th Chapter Caleb is described as following God "whole-heartedly."  That's quite a descriptor right?  Would people say that of my life I wonder? 

Caleb was a key player in the life of the people of Israel in the early journey in the Old Testament.  He was a man of faith, he stood on the side of God even when a majority of voices opted for fear.  He waited patiently for God to work out his plans.  He fought faithfully in battles against the enemies.  Near the end of his life as God is about to reward him for all Caleb has done, he is described as a Whole-Hearted God Follower.  That's huge!

I think many of us would like to say, "That's me!"  It has been my experience, however, that most of us reserve a portion of our hearts to serve our own desires, our own agendas, our own security, our own comfort.  Come on now, be honest.  Where do you fall...30%, 50%, 83.25%?  How much of your heart have you reserved for other things? 

Being contagious with our faith is about being on the journey toward 100% commitment to what God has called us to in Jesus Christ.  Remember, yesterday we talked about being on our way.  However, being on our way means we are yearning to be "all-in." We are, by the grace of God, through the power of prayer, by radical submission, seeking to give Jesus our all...without remainder.  Being contagious means constantly aligning ourselves to Jesus' Kingdom purposes in this world.  It means yielding every corner and crevice of our lives to Him who longs to do more with our lives than we could ever imagine. 

Being contagious means as a church that we are not known for Sunday Morning Experience, cool music, fun events or any of that stuff that is very good and very important.  It means being known throughout the community as those that place Jesus at the center of everything we do.  It means making His passion priority over our preferences.  It means following Jesus by giving ourselves away to those that He gave himself away for, the least, the last, the lost! 

How all in are you?

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