Power with Purpose!

Session 6 was super-focused! After taking care of some necessary group business, we got down to where the rubber meets the road concerning being sober in our self-assessment (Romans 12:3-8).

Thinking soberly simply means to think accurately about yourself. We must not think too highly (prideful), or too low (inferior) about ourselves. In fact, genuine humility is not thinking of yourself at all (Read “Humility: The Beauty of Holiness”, by Andrew Murray)!

What do we need to think about in our self-assessment? First, we must know where we belong (v. 4-5). We belong to the Body of Christ and we have a role to fulfill in the Body. Next, we need to know what we are gifted to do (v. 6-8). Discussing our spiritual gifts and calling is too large and subjective for discussion here, but we will be tackling that in the future because it is an integral part of being an authentic follower of Jesus.

Finally, never forget who you really are. You are eternally valuable (Ps. 139:3-14), unconditionally accepted (Eph. 3:19-21), and uniquely significant (Eph. 2:10)!

One of the most surprising nuggets of the evening was toward the end of the lesson when we all started going around the room listing something we thought we were good at, and something we thought we were not so good at. “Good at” things included giving, hospitality, counseling, fixing things, and loving people, though there were many more. “Not so good at” things were lack of patience, low self-image, quick to judge, and being lazy. Again there were more, but we'll keep it short for now. I'm even sure you could name a couple yourself!

What was so striking was this: When you take the “good at” and line them up in a column next to the “not good at”, one thing immediately jumped off the page: Virtually all the “good at” was directed outward and upward, while the “not good at” was directed inward! The revelation that came was that negative attitudes always seem to lead a person to being self-centered and sinful. Whereas, the positive, “good at” traits presented an other-centered focus. What a concept! Could it really be that simple? Can you stay free from sin and negativity by setting your mind on Christ and others? I dare anyone to try it. It has worked nearly every time I have, and I have to be honest: I'm just now really getting my mind wrapped around the concept!

Again, I cannot say enough about prayer time. When you let go and let God move through everyone; without hogging all the speaking time for yourself, God takes advantage and works mightily! What was fantastic was this: everyone was praying for one another, and it was decent, and it was in order! It wasn't confusing or self-driven. God was in the house so much so that a haze descending in the room! We new it was His glory because when you looked into the adjacent room, it was clear as a bell.

After we finished, we watched the Shekhinah (שכינה ) slowly lift. I am so thankful for the privilege of worshiping with such believers!

We thought we were going to get out early for a change. I was wrong, but the strength we received from that night carried over throughout the following day of worship and work. God truly supplies power for His purpose!