Why an ACTion plan?

Most of us have heard: "If something is worth doing, it's worth doing right." Well, what if it's not worth doing? The truth is, if I understand why the thing is important, it becomes a much easier sell to convince me that it deserves my best effort.

In setting the stage for this year, Blake spoke about why we would want to have an ACTion plan. Keep in mind that our ACTion plans are how we intend to Abide, Convoy, Transfer. Call it a resolution, a commitment, a mission - call it whatever you want, but if I'm going to invest time and energy into something, I need to understand my motivation. What makes this a compelling endeavor? What will I see as the fruit of my labor? Starting with what we heard (https://www.convoynwa.org/audio/2019/1/6/beginning-with-action), I wanted to give you my take on that.

We owe Him

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness,... so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.  -Romans 3:23-26

This isn't some quid pro quo, get-back-to-even, "I always pay my debts" arrangement. It's an awareness that although salvation is free to me, that doesn't mean it came without a cost. I STRONGLY encourage you to spend some time in the November 19 entry of "My Utmost for His Highest", which Blake quoted from. Oswald Chambers expressed it better than I ever could: https://utmost.org/classic/when-he-is-come-classic/

The world needs Him

Saving is all his idea, and all his work. All we do is trust him enough to let him do it. It’s God’s gift from start to finish! We don’t play the major role. If we did, we’d probably go around bragging that we’d done the whole thing! No, we neither make nor save ourselves. God does both the making and saving. He creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join him in the work he does, the good work he has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing.  -Ephesians 2:8-10 (MSG)

Consider this an introduction to "Kingdom building" and what it means to "get into the family business". Let's be honest - God doesn't need me to accomplish His will. Nevertheless, He pulls back the curtain and invites me into His work. There are literally millions of people out there who need to know He loves them, and He allows me to rub shoulders with a few dozen of them almost every day in the places where I live, work, and play. And, He has gifted me with talents, characteristics, and quirks - in a combination unique to me - to show them a picture of His Son, the greatest expression of His love. How cool is that?!!

Fulfillment comes from Him

My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity. Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.  -Proverbs 3:1-6

A common theme throughout scripture is this one of God's promises to those who lean into His will. Again, I don't see this as, "I have to do this so God will do that" or "I did this, so now God is obligated to do that". No, once I am able to see God as a loving Father who knows me, wants my best, and longs for relationship with me, it's a matter of putting myself in a place where the blessings He intends for me are unimpeded. 

OK - I'm starting to get it now. I'm slow, but I get there eventually. Time to dream a little bit, as I start putting together my ACTion plan!