Yup. Our pastor told us to do that last week. Our thirty-something married father of three pastor told us to “give a rip.” It seemed slightly out of character. Catching me off guard, I glanced at my friends just to make sure that’s what he really said. Heads nodded. Did he mean that? Yup. Preach it, Pastor Paul…
Over a few weeks Paul is preaching a series that’s been named “NEXT.” What’s next for the Church? What’s next for you? The prayer focused efforts of the staff and elders have been incredible. Though the church is in need to make its building project happen they deeply want the hearts of the congregation to be aligned with God’s plans and will as well.
A week ago we focused on caring. Yesterday, generosity. What seems to be “next” for us is to give more of ourselves away. Give more of ourselves for the Kingdom. Start giving a rip about the people around and in our lives everyday.
“For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in His steps.”
1 Peter 2:21
Seven days ago my heart was stirring. I’d felt it before. Actually, every time I head out for a run I feel God’s call of Kingdom on this city. God wants it. God wants the people and the glory. He wants life and freedom. He wants love and singing in the streets. There has been a house that has especially been pulling on me since about February. Let’s call it 1909. I don’t know why. So, I try to listen to what God has been wanting me to do about it.
The Sunday morning before we heard about caring the Holy Spirit was already up and pushing me. I drove by 1909 on my way to church thinking I should stop by. I didn’t. Even with an entire sermon about “giving a rip” and caring for others I didn’t stop. A week went by and the same excuses that Paul mentioned on Sunday went through my head. “I don’t want to be in inconvenience.” “I’m too busy.” “It costs too much.”
Thankfully, God’s been doing some wonderful things in my heart lately. For one, He’s showing me the excitement in the now more than I’ve ever known. Tomorrow will come. It worries about itself. This summer will happen. I don’t need to be anxious. But now – right now I get to give a rip. Right now I get to love the people around me. I get to meet new friends. I get to listen to my roommate’s dreams and plans. I get to invest in youth that are in love with Jesus. I get to pray for my boss and co-workers. I get to prophesy over the city my feet are walking in everyday. Right here. Right now. Give a rip!
Yesterday, I finally made my way to that house. I took a Sunday nap after church. When I woke up I went on a run…determined to not go home until I had stopped by 1909. Twenty-eight minutes later my sneakers and I made it to their doorstep. I knocked. No answer. “Knock, and it will be opened to you” came to mind. I knocked a second time. No answer. It wasn’t really as anti-climatic for me as I thought it would be. I turned to run home. I listened. I obeyed. I risked. I actively gave a rip…
True, it took some resistance and excuses. I am human. I won’t pretend not to be. But God still showed up. He confirmed some things for me that afternoon. One, He doesn’t NEED me to do things for Him, but He sure likes inviting me to be a part of the love He has for His children. And two, God cares about these people whether I’m the one to tell them or not. That’s the truth I need to be more a part of. God loves Noblesville, Indiana. God loves Gainesville, Georgia. And Swaziland, Africa. And Bangkok, Thailand. And Chisinau, Moldova. It’s all the same eternal Kingdom-sized love we get to be a part of when we give a rip.
[And, yes, we are invited to even love the people in the Church. Last year God yelled at me for that one. After much grumbling and complaining on my part during my post World Race life, He told me, “Love My Church because I love My Church.”]
Even last night there was a challenge for the youth of the city to give of themselves. I tagged along with our middle and high schoolers to an inter-church worship event. The turn out was impressive for a two hour gig of music, prayer, and teaching. A pastor from Louisville, Kentucky who has left his church of thousands to minister to the poor came to share. Pastor Ben told the kids to get out of the camp and grow. Get out of the comfortable Christian camp that you can spend most of your life in and RISK. And when God’s people risk, God shows up. Care for the poor. Sit with the uncool kids. Ask God who your people are and reach out to them.
Inspired? Greatly! Not only is God telling me to love and reach out to my community but He’s telling the Church – the Body of Christ – to give a rip, too!
Thank You, Jesus! Thank you, friends! I encourage you, wherever you may be, to ask God who your people are. Who are the ones God wants you to care about? To show love to? Pray, pray, pray and then step out to give a rip.
