by Mike Kress
As I spoke to Dan about the task ahead of me, I asked “Is a thousand words ok?” I mean how can one go about sharing thoughts on a concept so exhilarating, with the potential to change the way that we live our lives and keep it under a thousand? This might require volumes!
First let me tell you that I am a blessed man. God has given me a wonderful family, a great job and a comfortable home. As I look through the lineup of bloggers and reviewers, I wonder what perspective I might offer. I love God, but don’t attend church regularly. I strive to do the right things in my life, but it doesn’t always work that way. I care about my fellow man, but as most, generally in passing.
From a distance.
Not always willing to get involved based on what was pressing me for time.
This book is a slap in the face. It’s a wakeup call. Its beauty lies in the simplicity of its message. Wherever, whatever. We are given opportunities every day to be ambassadors for Christ. We can honor God and work for his glory by selflessly serving our fellow man.
Simple.
The book reminds us of the circumstances of 9/11. We all remember where we were. How we felt. I can vividly recall the pictures of the planes hitting the Tower. Most people ran for safety. Getting as far as possible from this tragic scene. Others ran to the site to help.
Which direction is God sending you?
We can all feel empathy. The compassion for others in need. But are we willing to run to the scene?
As I thought about my blog, I considered the pictures from 9/11. A picture might be worth a thousand words, but what is the value of an action? Reminds me of the old American Express commercials. We can say the most earnest of prayers for the safety and assistance of others (maybe even a thousand words…) or we can prepare ourselves to honor God and thank him for all he has blessed us with and launch ourselves, selflessly into the assistance of others (PRICELESS!) And while there may not be a national disaster, a flood, a terrorist attack, or a large scale event that is the moment of calling, we have to be prepared for anything and everything.
Chapter 3 shares the message of mobilizing people for a larger mission. It’s a message of preparation. When God knocks, will you have your bags packed and be ready to go?
Healing Place Church had become such a center of selfless work for Christ, that when a catastrophe like 9/11 took place, the community mobilized and the church became a magnet for people who wanted to run to the site. People who wanted their actions to reflect God’s grace and their sacrifice to serve for the glory of God. Being part of something bigger opens your heart.
Serving connects people to each other and ministers to our hearts. We connect to others and to our God. The message of the chapter was to be prepared on any scale. To fearlessly serve the Lord. As we serve, we come together as people, a community, a church. Locally, nationally or even globally, in the smallest of details or on the largest scale we are able to honor God by giving to those in need. Whenever, whatever.
Are you prepared?
Which way are you running?
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Get the book: Servolution: Starting a Church Revolution Through Serving
About the contributor:
Mike Kress is an exceedingly blessed dude. By day, I’m a Training and Development professional for a Comcast. By night, I am the father of a couple of beautiful, talented and amazing boys, Isaias 10 and Jake 2, who inspire me daily. My wife is gorgeous and loves me for the goofball that I am.
I can be reached at tursiopsguy@gmail.com
Mike, very clear, very transparent, very motivational, very on-point. I like the msg about being prepared for we know not what lies ahead. Be blessed.
Great post! Being prepared is something I have to work on as well. God is preparing me day by day, molding me into what He wants me to become. I agree with the slap in the face that Servolution provides us. Hopefully it will transform us to serve in ways we never imagined.
Blessings on your day!
Thanks Paul. This book has really opened my eyes to the opportunities that lie in everything we do.
Nice thing about God preparing us, is that we are ready to go on Day 1. We have power to impact others that we never imagined. We just have to be willing and open to it. Jump in the deep end of the pool!
I agree with the others that the transparency that is displayed here is something that is much needed in the church. I love your heart, and really love that God seems to be stirring something very real deep inside of you!
I also agree that the important part of this is that we start by serving in small ways before we can ever be prepared to serve in big ways. We must create a culture of serving… particularly in the day-to-day grind… in our homes, at our offices/workplaces… and even in the 'marketplace'…
My heart is to be able to answer your (very challenging) question about which way I am running by saying that I am running directly to wherever there is a need and/or someone who is hurting…
Amen, brother, amen!
I must get this book Mike I enjoyed what you had to say here.
Thanks. I highly recommend it. The stories are exhilirating and uplifting and filled with love. Please don't forget to share your journey as you begin your own Servolution!
Dan, you are an inspiration and a blessing in my life. Thanks for letting me share!!
Mike, you have some great comments there. I'd have to say that this is definitely a message for the people here in Indonesia. Never before have I seen it where the wealthy have so much and the poor have so little. If the church here (and anywhere for that matter) were to actually step out and do something – no matter how dirty our hands get – we could actually change people's lives for the better.
It's not about bribing them into accepting Christ by meeting their needs. It's about doing what we are commanded to do: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Right? ^_^
Mike, you have some great comments there. I'd have to say that this is definitely a message for the people here in Indonesia. Never before have I seen it where the wealthy have so much and the poor have so little. If the church here (and anywhere for that matter) were to actually step out and do something – no matter how dirty our hands get – we could actually change people's lives for the better.
It's not about bribing them into accepting Christ by meeting their needs. It's about doing what we are commanded to do: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Right? ^_^