Being Spiritually Proactive Instead of Reactive..

By One Way Truth Life Serving God disciple, faith 0 Comments

pro·ac·tive
/prōˈaktiv/

adjective: proactive; pro-active

(of a person, policy, or action) creating or controlling a situation by causing something to happen rather than responding to it after it has happened.
“be proactive in identifying and preventing potential problems”

Our Proactive Example

Jesus is the ultimate example of being proactive. As we learn in the Gospels, Jesus spent His time on earth demonstrating a multitude of traits. Traits we need to adopt and own as followers of the Way.

Traits of Jesus:

Faithful
Intimate
Humble
Committed
Teacher
Prayerful
Loving
Joyful
Kind
Unbiased
Fair
Gentle
Self-Controlling
Forgiving
Grateful
Responsible
Accountable
Wise
Compassionate
Determined
And much more..

During His time on earth, Jesus displayed the perfect example of being a child of God. Jesus’ ways were not His own, neither was His words. All that Jesus said and did were never of His own doing, but all came from the direction of His Father.

Being in alignment with His Father, Jesus obeyed and listened for the calling of His life. How I pray we do the same. It’s important we let the Potter have full control over our lives. The Potter is always molding us in His image. We need to remember to be malleable for refinement and eager for God’s work in our lives. It’s through this process we become closer in our relationship with God.

During His time in ministry, Jesus reached out to the masses. Jesus’ spent His time teaching about the Kingdom of God. His message shared God’s true love for His children and revealed the hypocrisy of our actions. Exposing the power of a hardened heart caused by human (worldly) tendencies.

While sharing the Good News. Jesus went on to perform many miracles in the name of His Father. With nothing more than a couple loaves of bread and fish, Jesus was able to feed thousands.

When Jesus encountered the sick, He offered healing. If they were dead, He gave them life. For those tormented by demons, He released them from their bondage.

Even the earth was subject to the commands of Jesus. While in the middle of a storm, when the waters were crashing against their boat, He calmed the sea. Later, we learn that Jesus walked on water. Through all these miracles, everything Jesus did was in glorification of His Father.

Our Hope Is In The Lord

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
– John 3:16

Here, we see God’s love for us. God gave His only Son so we could be free. Giving us an opportunity for salvation, to those who believe in Jesus Christ as the Messiah (His Son).

Commissioned To Be Proactive

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying,

“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
– Matthew 28:18-20

Notice how the verse doesn’t state, “Go therefore those who _______.”

“are extroverts.”
“maintain high positions in the world.”
“have years of theology study under their belt.”
“are Pastors or Church figures.”

Instead, Jesus said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations..” This is an instruction for ALL who believe in Jesus Christ. Not selected individuals, not for certain groups. It is instructions to all who believe in Jesus to share the Gospel.

This is where the enemy will seek to stop us in our tracks. The enemy doesn’t want the message of Jesus spread. He will say whatever he can to create doubt. When you start to hear thoughts inside you like, “You are not good enough to share the Gospel.” Or, “Sharing the Gospel is for real Believers.” Let me tell you – you are on the right path. Don’t give heed to the voice, pray and ask God for the courage and the words to say, sharing the joy we have in Jesus Christ.

Jesus went on to add, “Baptizing in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit..” Although we see Baptisms carried out through Church, we need to keep in mind that we are the church. Being the church means we are to Baptize others.

This means, if someone comes to you seeking to be Baptized in the name of the Lord – do it. But, if you feel uncomfortable about doing it, grab one of your brother’s in Christ or work with a Church elder.

Jesus continued with, “Teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.” Again, Jesus makes it clear that we ALL have a responsibility as a Christian. We are to be proactive with our teaching of the Cross. We are to share with everyone the Good News found in Christ Jesus. Becoming a beacon of light to those who surrounded in darkness. The one’s who look at the world and think this is the best life is going to get. Offering a free gift of life for those who believe. Oh, how I pray our seeds are fruitful.

Being Proactive

How then can they call on the One they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach?
– Romans 10:14

The deeper we study the Word and the more intimate we become in prayer; the closer we are with God. His Word becomes placed on our lips and we find ourselves meditating on His words day and night.

Crossing over from studying to teaching can feel like a challenge. You want to share the message, but there are mental road blocks; such as a position of doubt. Do they want to hear what I have to say? Am I the right person to share this message?

The simple answer is, “Yes, you are right person!”

PRAY – Before you start speaking with someone, pray. Ask God to guide your conversation, to not let personal opinions or emotions get in the way. To share God’s Word with courage and with a heart of love, asking that His Will be done and not our own. Surrender the conversation to God and you’ll be amazed what He will do through you.

LISTEN – People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. By listening, you are showing the person, this isn’t about me – it’s about you. Go ahead, I am all ears.

LOVE – Be compassionate. In all situations we can draw people towards the Cross or away from it. Remember, we are the only Bible someone may see so be a reflection of light and not the world. In fact, it would be wise for us to remember that we are all victims of the enemy’s tactics. Seeing others as victims (including ourselves) reminds us that we are all in need God’s Love, Mercy and Grace. Jesus said, “They will know us by our Love.”

TESTIMONY – Share your story. Talk about similar experiences (if available) and how the Scripture opened your eyes. Discuss how the scripture you ears to hear and a heart to perceive. Let them know how your life, your family and your work are better for it. Explain the results of God’s hand in your life and what it was like apart from it. Sharing your testimony inspires courage and hope in others.

INVITATION – Whether it’s to Church, an event, a study or a gathering. Give an invite. Seeing God’s people can open the eyes of a non-believer, making them curious about Jesus Christ. Curiosity will grow as they watch believers come together. They will wonder about the encouraging words and constant look of peace. You see, it’s by our actions, our words and our behaviors that we exemplify who we serve.

PRAY – At the end of every conversation, pray for the person. If you are praying for someone in Christ, ask to pray together. If it’s someone who doesn’t know the Lord, ask if they would like to pray together, but don’t get offended if they say no. Instead, pray for them once they are away.

Praying for someone before and after a conversation does a couple things. First, James 5:16 says, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” Second, we humble ourselves by asking God to do what only He can do. It’s very important to remember we are an instrument; it’s the handler who is doing all the work.

FOLLOW UP – Following up with a person you spoke with, even if it’s a quick, “You were on mind, I hope your day is going well..” can have a huge impact on someone. Checking up on someone shows you care and their life matters. When someone is going through a rough time, God is always faithful, we need to remind ourselves that. Keep the person in your prayers and love on them.

Please keep in mind dear brothers and sisters, God stretches us to help us grow, working in us and through us. The situations we find ourselves in are not meant to see us fail. The scenarios are to count ourselves worthy and bring glory to the One we serve. Through sharing of the Word, we grow closer to our Lord and Savior. We become aware of His power and the work done on the Cross. We find strength we didn’t know was there and we gain a clearer focus of the Kingdom.

In the end, the only thing that matters is our servitude. Did we obey His Word? When we stand before the Father will He say well done good and faithful servant, or depart from me – for you never knew me.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
– Joshua 1:9

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your mighty Word. We pray Your message is be burned in our hearts and always on our lips. Our prayer is to see that Your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.

We thank You for Your Son Jesus. A perfect example of “proactive” who went out and made disciples among nations. Who, with the gift of the Spirit, brought a life-changing message to the world. I pray we have the same courage, the same strength, and the same tenacity to go out and serve others. To be bold in proclaiming Who we serve. To always be ready to give a testimony for our faith in Jesus.

We pray God to receive Your wisdom. To have clarity when it comes to understanding Your living Word. Let our walk be a reflection of Your light. We ask for Your protection over our lives. Let us not be distracted with world, but faithful and obedient to the direction You set before us. May our lives glorify Your name through our humble service to others. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Being Spiritually Proactive Instead of Reactive..