When the pastor starts talking about influencing others toward God, does it make your hands start to sweat, your heart rate go up and your stomach start to churn? Do you have visions of handing out literature at the airport? Knocking on your neighbor’s door with a “turn or burn” gospel tract? If that sounds like you, then just stop! As we wrap up our series, “Domino,” and you think about how you’ll be tipping yours, I encourage you to take a breath, slow your roll, and consider the following:
Think Small. Small is the new big – if you’re looking to actually have an impact on someone. I love how author/pastor Tom Mercer puts it in his book, 8 to 15, Your World Is Smaller Than You Think. Mercer states that most of us live in a circle of 8 to 15 relationships. The Greek word for that personal circle is oikos. It’s in our oikos that our influence is most powerful, and consequently we should focus our efforts on that smaller group. Mercer says that we should be “oikos-centric.” If you’re looking to tip your domino then I encourage you observe who’s already in your oikos, and focus your efforts there.
Think Simpler. Jesus said that loving God and our neighbor sum up the commandments. If you want to live a life that makes a difference, then start by loving people. Through the centuries, love remains the most powerful catalyst for change. God changed our lives through his love; His plan for world change calls for us to love others. Tipping your domino equals loving.
End At The Beginning. Remember where world-changing momentum comes from – the Cross. It’s not us; Jesus said he was the resurrection and the life. It’s not our intellectual arguments for faith, or our creative gospel-presentations that have the power for change. Before giving his disciples their final marching orders to go and make disciples, Jesus reminded them, all authority in heaven and earth has been given to me. (Matthew 28:18) We would do well to remember those words as much as the Great Commission. It’s his authority, not ours. It’s his plan, not ours. It’s his power, not ours. So, the next time you sense the ancient wind of resurrection, let it blow your domino over – and just tip!
Something to think about,
Britt
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