Recently I have been reading a new book from one of my favorite authors, Gary Thomas. Actually, it is a new version of the book by which I was introduced to this author in seminary. Not only was I greatly impacted by this first book, but Gary Thomas’ books have continued to have a positive impact on my life and ministry. (A number of our members have benefited from his books on Sacred Parenting and Sacred Marriage.)
So, when I saw a revision of this first book, I wasted no time in picking up a copy. The new title alone was enough to make me want to read it: Thirsting for God: Spiritual Refreshment for the Sacred Journey. Having only just begun this book, I am already both encouraged and challenged. As a pastor, I am privileged to be able to speak into the lives of our members as I preach God’s Word each Sunday. However, I recognize that I too need others speaking into my life. One of the greatest ways this happens is through books like Thirsting for God.
Of course, speaking God’s Word into each other’s lives is not something done only from a sanctuary platform or in a Christian book. All who are indwelt by the living Christ have the blessed privilege of speaking God’s Word into the lives of others. In fact, as Gary Thomas argues, such ministry, one to another, is part and parcel of being a follower of Christ.
Thomas makes his case by repeating a powerful question raised a half a century ago, “Are people around you being changed?” As followers of Jesus Christ, if we are not impacting the people around us, then it should cause us to question our spiritual passion. He goes on to say:
A person pursuing God, growing in God, and living in the power of the Spirit will see a supernatural influence of God’s power working through her or him. Obviously, we’re not talking about everyone building a national ministry, and we’re certainly not referring to pastoring a megachurch or starting a television program. Rather, we can ask ourselves whether God is using us in the course of our daily lives to minister to family members and other individuals.
Sometimes, we can become too self-absorbed in our spirituality. We go to church to “be blessed.” But maybe we should go, just as much, to be a blessing. And such an attitude is not confined to the church—it should be expressed in our families, our workplaces, our world.
The point Thomas makes is that our focus in spirituality needs to go beyond ourselves. There is so much more to the Christian life than the personal blessings we receive. Spiritual maturity is about so much more than just getting into heaven. As Thomas continues:
When our goals reach beyond making it into heaven and we focus instead on ministering and making an impact every day here on earth, maturity matters. I can be immature and reach heaven. I’m not sure, however, that I can remain immature and see hell break apart at my feet. Perhaps occasionally, but not consistently, and not often. If I am steeped in habitual sin, if I remain a spiritual adolescent, I cannot threaten hell, not while kissing its feet or lusting after its trinkets.
I don’t know about you, but these thoughts are convicting for me. Sin and spiritual laziness not only harms me, but it detracts from my ability to impact my family, my friends, Christ’s church.
Instead of just making the cut for heaven, our goal should be to make an impact for heaven. Instead of just avoiding hell, our goal should be to see hell break apart at our feet. Why? Because this is the model set for us by our Lord. Is this not what Jesus called us to in the Sermon on the Mount when he said “You are the salt of the earth” and “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:13,14)? Then, Jesus gave this simple challenge, “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
Believers, may we burn bright for Christ, so that we can grow stronger in our walk with Him and so that we can be an encouragement to others along the path.
In Christ, Pastor Dan