We Are Sent

We are not our own. We do not belong to ourselves. we are sent.

There is that stage in a relationship with God where it’s not just the amazing news that Jesus died for us to have a right relationship with the Father. That remains true and that is important to the relationship. There is something more to it, though, when there’s a realisation that we were created by God on purpose. that we are born again on purpose.

That calling on Him as our Father is to acknowledge that we belong to Him as we are born of His Spirit. As that is the reality, so there is the growing knowledge that he has sent us into the world. He gave us His Spirit and filled us to overflowing so we could accomplish the purpose for which He sent us. The abilities, the personalities, the quirks, the gifts are deliberately put in place to fulfil a reason that will establish something so wonderful and true about who He is in the sphere in which we operate.

From the workplace to the key relationships, the Father fills us with so much to be a blessing to others and give them a sight of who He is. Something that is seen in our capacity to endure hardship as well as our propensity for gratitude and appreciation for His works in operation great and small. The more consciously aware we become of His Spirit and the purpose of His Son, the more we reflect Him in our conduct and see that just as the Father sent the Son and the Spirit, so He sends us.

Sent to show people what real love looks like. Sent to show people what real peace looks like. Sent to show people what real joy looks like. Sent to show people what real endurance looks like. Sent to show others what this looks like as we ever look to the Father and the Son what this is like as His Spirit directs us and enables us to demonstrate these in the rough and tough that the world bombards us with.

As we accomplish what He sent us to do so we leave an aroma of His glory for others to pick up the scent. Picking up that distinct aroma leaves them with a choice to pursue it further or revile it because of what it reveals about the unpleasant odour that was promoted previously. It’s not about winning debates and competitions as though we’re here to outwit people and convince them that way. It’s the amazing change that takes place when we recognise our condition without Him and what happens when we allow Him to change our lives from the inside out. That way we can invite others to join in this wonderful journey.

A journey based on that ultimate reality that our relationship with Him means that we are not our own, we do not belong to ourselves – we are sent.

For His Name’s Sake

Shalom

C. L. J. Dryden