“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” -Ghandi
God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, but we sure do a lot of changing in our lifetimes. In fact, if we aren’t changing, something isn’t right! The truth is, God is always teaching us, as long as we are willing to learn, and Proverbs 18:15 tells us that we are wise to seek knowledge.
Over the last couple of months I have learned a lot about God’s character and how I can reflect it. These aren’t just lessons that I now know and can move on from, they are so important to use from today, through the World Race, and into the rest of my life.
Lesson 1: I can see people through God’s eyes.
The Bible tells us to not judge our neighbors, but applying that concept every single day isn’t as easy as it seems. It’s so simple to form an opinion about someone based on their appearance or a first impression, but it’s rarely what God thinks about them. Genesis 1:27 says that man and woman are made in God’s image, and that goes for everyone. Yes, that means that something about that murderer or rapist reflects the Lord’s character, and every gangster, addict, homeless person, and difficult-to-handle child is precious to Him. Yes, people make bad choices and run away from their Savior, and they have to face consequences of their actions, but that doesn’t mean that God loves them less.
In South Africa, I did a LOT of children’s ministry, complete with kids that were mischievous and often very violent. For the first couple of days, it was easy to get overwhelmed and frustrated by the ones who made our jobs harder. However, God isn’t like that, and He let me know that quite clearly. Over the rest of the trip, I began to look at people differently, especially the kids. The difficult ones needed just as much love and attention as the ones who behaved themselves, if not more. I learned to ask myself ‘what about this person looks like God?’. Once you look for God in a person, it’s easy to find and easy to love.
Lesson 2: Make the most of every opportunity.
Ephesians 5:15-16 says “Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.” We have a million opportunities every day, different things that we can do or say, and different ways that we can approach whatever comes our way. Looking back, there are things that I wish I did differently in South Africa, opportunities that I wish I would have jumped on. It’s over now, and I can’t change or dwell on the past, but I can learn from it.
I don’t want to come back from the World Race with any regrets, let alone leave this world with any. With this lesson, I have learned to ask the age-old question: WWJD? What would Jesus do if He were right here, right now? Would He step out and pray for that person on the street? What would He say to the woman dying in the hospital? When you ask yourself these kinds of questions, there’s no doubt as to what to do next.
Lesson 3: Go with the flow.
Anyone who has ever done anything in ministry knows that things rarely go according to plan. Things can change in the blink of an eye, or you might have to plan something without having a clue about what you have to work with. Colossians 3:2 says to set our minds on things above, not the things here on earth. To someone who loves schedules and organization, this lesson has been something that I’ve slowly been learning over the last four years. God has taught me to keep my mind open and my expectations at an almost nonexistent level. I have learned to be prepared for anything, that nothing is set in stone, and to have a positive attitude no matter what comes up. Also, flexible face.
So after a lot of learning, I’m feeling more prepared to step into the World Race. I know to keep my eyes open to learn at all times. I know to be looking for God’s character in every person I meet. I know to ask Jesus what He would do so that I don’t miss a single opportunity. And, last but not least, I know to be ready for God to use me His way no matter what happens, and no matter what the plans say.
What kind of lessons has God taught you lately?
