In Genesis 1 God gave Adam specific instructions about life
in the Garden of Eden. I think it can be
summed in these three concepts: Multiplication (more people), Dominion (more responsibility),
and Cultivation (more production).
These three layers of work fill our lives. We become very busy, but also very blessed in
these works. Multiplication is the work
at the family level. Children are always a blessing from the Lord, but
they are also much work. Stewardship and
ownership of things in this world is a blessing
but it is also much work. Productivity
and contribution into bettering the world is a blessing but it is also much work.
Where do we get the motivation to see all our work at all levels
as blessing and not burden?
The Motivation of Multiplication
Multiplication is
what causes the motivation to do the
work of dominion and cultivation.
The physical reality of this is seen in family life. As I write this, I am more deeply motivated
to pray for and encourage those who struggle with infertility. We all know someone who has struggled for
years with the real and personal pain of not being able to multiply. The desire for “more people” is natural.
The truth is multiplication
causes motivation. I believe most men
start maturing and “growing up” when they have kids. Life changes, instantly. They see work and responsibility and marriage
and home differently than they ever have before. Why?
They are motivated by the lives they have responsibilities of dominion
and cultivation towards.
The same is true spiritually. Doing the work of church will lose all
motivation if it is not the work of Christ.
Having responsibilities of dominion (stewardship) and cultivation
(production) while not being a part of “new birth” is draining and
exhausting. Why? The purpose is lost.
Seeing a person confess Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord will
never grow dull. It motivates me to do
more work. I am more committed to be more responsible and more productive in my
work when I watch one life step out of darkness into the marvelous light.
Are you doing the work of multiplication? Are you
being a part of the celebration of multiplication with your Church? If not, then you are facing a loss of motivation
that no one else can change. Changing
ministries, changing churches, changing groups, etc. will not solve this spiritual problem. Only obedience in multiplication will.
Who needs to hear the hope, grace, and life found in Jesus
Christ from you this week? Pray that God
would send workers into the harvest fields…and then say (as Isaiah did, “here I
am, Lord, send me.”
A side thought:
Many churches have gone to special times of celebration for
baptism. I know at our church with 3
services and 2 campuses, this is the only way we can all pull together to
celebrate multiplication
together. So that is the positive
side. The negative side, is that many
church members do not participate in these celebrations. Honestly, you will love motivation if you
consistently miss that celebration.
Last night we had an amazing FC United service. Everyone there left motivated to be about the
work of the Gospel. I realize some miss
such times because of other commitments, but many miss because they did not see
the value in it. This is the value. Celebration of confession (multiplication)
causes motivation.
If you want to find value in teaching in the Depot or
greeting at the door or serving the homeless in a ministry, then you need to be
with your church family for the celebrations of salvations. You need it deep in your soul.
FC is not the only church doing these “special
services.” It is a growing trend. As leaders, we need to make sure we are not
missing something our people need, but also church members, make sure you are
not missing something you need. It is
not simply an event at church…it is THE event that helps us all remember why we
do what we do.
