You Have To Come Before You Can Go

"Do this!" "Why?" "Because I said so."

Maybe you have been on one or both sides of that conversation. The word "why" sums up the frustration whether you are giving the command or receiving it. We may want someone to do something, not knowing why, but just because that's the way it's always been done. On the other hand before we do something we would like to have the reason or belief of the purpose for doing it. Thus, a conflict.

Going through life as a Christian is extra difficult without knowing the why. If God commands us to do something, then I understand from biblical examples that it is not wise to ask why. But there are many answers to the whys throughout the Word...it's just taking the time to learn them. There are so many responsibilities and needs that require me to always be on the go that I forget to discover the whys. I put the go before the come. Here's what I mean...

Mark 3:13-15, "Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelve--designating them apostles--that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons."

Going out to share the message of the cross (which is totally counter-cultural) and fighting against what is wrong are frightening thoughts. Individualism and blind acceptance of other's beliefs are messages taught in our public education, media, and many religions that can influence us as we are going out. But if I come to Jesus first and spend time with him, then my mind is transformed away from the patterns of our culture and into His mindset.

Jesus didn't call those he wanted and instantly send them out. He called them to come, to be in communion with him. By being with Jesus they learned a different way of living and thinking. They saw how he handled the attitudes and needs of their culture. Jesus taught them to depend on the Father for everything. What a great life experience and knowledge they had as they went out.

A key for me to go courageously with God is to first come to Jesus. The cup and the bread I take on Sunday are treasures left by Jesus, but my communion with him does not stop there. I need to come in communion with him daily as I go to do my Father's will.

How do you prepare to go courageously? Post a comment and let us know.