I looked over at my neighbor’s lawn the other day.  It was a perfect, pristine, well manicured, well taken care of front lawn.  Every week I see the landscapers come and take care of the lawn, like clockwork.  MY lawn however, uh, was quite the opposite.  There were overgrown weeds taking over, yesterday’s evidence of kids playing and eating in the front yard, and to top it all off, trash, yes trash.  We have ALL been there before haven’t we?  Sometimes, we have to get to the point when we are so disgusted with ourselves and our “lawns” that out of our absolute discontent, we FINALLY make a change.  But here is what I had to see:  A vision for what my yard could look like.  My neighbor has inspired me.

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.”  Hebrews 10:24

How long does it take you to transition something in your life?  What has to be the circumstance before you will change something you know that you know MUST be different?  For most of us, it takes a while.  Here are 4 words to remember as you contemplate what needs to be different.

4 Words That Inspire Action…  

#1 Performance – This word has received a lot of bad press in Christian circles.  But let me clarify: We are to do everything for the glory of God, but the practical outcome of that here on Earth will be others benefitting from our actions and seeing our convictions.  We don’t “perform” for the accolades of others, but deal with it, others are watching you, even when you don’t think they are or want them to.  It’s the way God created it.  We were created in community to set the example for each other.  You have influence and it’s time to use it.

1 Timothy 4:12 “Set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.”  

#2 Motivation – How you are motivated to do something reveals the depth of your character in your heart.  Our motivation is deeply interwoven into our past experiences and even our own self perception.  But the key to motivating correctly is seeing yourself like GOD SEES YOU.  Whatever is holding you back because of past circumstances, Jesus gives you the freedom to live TODAY differently.  Motivate from forgiveness and grace not fear and guilt.

Romans 8:34 “Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.—

#3 Idealism – What do you wish was different?  Do you want the present situation to change?  Here is a promise to us:  Eventually, things WILL get better.  But here is the hard part:  I just don’t know when.  But it’s coming and it’s called hope.  Dream the dream, write the vision.  Pray, plan and expect God to move.  Looking forward and asking God what his vision is for your immediate future can be a powerful catalyst for transformative action.  So make it happen!

Take ACTION!  Time to mow the lawn!

Josh

217church meets at 10 AM at the Hamilton AMC24 Theater  11 AM at the Robbinsville Sharon Elementary School every Sunday morning.  If it is your 1st time, we have a special gift waiting for you!

Josh is the founding pastor of 217church, a multi-site, contemporary church in Mercer County NJ.  217church is a family with small groups in New Jersey and Pennsylvania that meets Sundays in the Hamilton AMC24 Theater 10:00am and Sharon Elementary school in Robbinsville, NJ at 11:00.  Our new Robbinsville/East Windsor Campus meets every Sunday.  If you are looking for a church in East Windsor NJ, Lawrenceville NJ, Ewing NJ, Robbinsville NJ, Hightstown NJ, Hamilton NJ, Mercer County, Middlesex County or Bucks County, PA, we would love to have you join us.  Don’t miss our weekend services. Visit www.217church.com for more information. or watch a weekend message here

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