How does God decide who He will bless?
That’s one of the most challenging questions I’ve wrestled with. We’ve all listened to deeply sincere parents and pastors pray similar prayers for discernment and blessing. Yet the results are shockingly different. What are the variables to God’s blessing? Recognizing that transforming the heart is the Spirit’s work seems to beg this more convicting question:
How do we free God’s spirit to work in remarkable ways?
The CKN partners have worked diligently to better understand the attributes of a “Spirit Freeing” environment. Colossians 3 and Galatians 5 offer valuable insight but what do those principles look like in a healthy organization? Through years of research and thousands of church surveys our partner, “Tag Consulting”, discovered these five distinct characteristics:
- Covenant Community - People are committed to one another in real community not simply consuming goods and services.
- Clear DNA - The group acts consistently with their clearly communicated purpose and vision.
- Shared Leadership - Every person’s voice is heard, valued, and engaged in the process.
- Missional Outlook - The group believes they are called to be a transformational agent beyond their walls.
- Innovative - The group is willing and able to reinvent themselves.
They recently surveyed churches they’ve helped put these five characteristics to work in their congregations. Here’s what they experienced:
60% – an increase in members involved in ministry
35% – an increase in giving
61% – an increase in small group participation
71% – an increase in worship attendance
79% - an enhanced sense of community
79% - a reduction in conflict
78% - an increase in community outreach
So can we free the spirit to more powerfully transform our homes and community? Are we accountable as parents and leaders to do so? What do you think as you ponder these results?
The Divine doesnt decide any thing whatsoever.
Does the sun choose to shine on a flower but not on a decaying corpse or the dog pooh on the side-walk?
Everything, even the worst of human beings, and the worst possible horrific circumstances, arise within the same Divine Radiance.
The manifest universe in all of its manifestations, both positive and negative. is an unfathomable, unexplainable, beginningless and endless mystery. A vast never-ending pattern patterning.
Hey Sue,
Thanks for joining in the discussion.
The difference in your view and mine has been the battle of the ages. Neither of us can prove our beliefs. You have faith in your take on it and I have faith in mine.
However, there is one thing I know for sure. Anything good in me comes from someone bigger than me. At my core I am insecure, selfish, and fearful. I have faith their is a God who loved me enough to send His son Jesus to die for me anyway. And that faith creates a hope which allows me to get beyond myself and love others.
And when I love others I find love as well. And when I find love I find purpose and meaning. And that leaves me thankful and at peace.
I pray you have that peace as well.
Ed