As I continue editing these blog posts, I’m realizing how often I struggle to live them out myself. At least now I have a framework to continually point me back to God’s path!
Anyways, back to the list…
4. Make a conscious choice everyday, to give your all.
The World Race (and life itself) comes down, most of the time, to making a choice.
Our circumstances are in continual flux. Some are better, some are worse. What’s important is not drifting aimlessly along with them. There will be many times on the Race where you won’t “feel” like doing ministry, “feel” like hanging out with your teammates, “feel” like doing anything other than get on your computer.
I’m telling you, fight those times and CHOOSE. Choose to serve, choose to love, choose to have a joyful, thankful, and Christ centered attitude.
People who know me, know that I’m a pretty happy guy (perhaps a minor understatement). I smile and laugh a lot, hold a generally positive attitude no matter what I’m doing, and am willing to put in the effort needed.
Okay, so I’m going to let you in on a little secret now.
A lot of the time I don’t feel like it. Sometimes I would rather stay to myself, not talk to people, not put in the work required.
Despite my current feelings however, people are blessed when I’m acting as a positive and upbeat force. Sure I’m gregarious by nature, but I often consciously choose to love those around me by laughing, joking, cajoling, etc. Sometimes I’d rather be selfish and have a bad attitude, but I’ve learned that my attitude dramatically affects those around me.
I want to help create an environment where people feel safe to be themselves, a place where their spirits are edified, a space where life and joy flourish.
Sometimes it’s easy. Sometimes God is working on me, and I’m not meant to be (nor could I be) those things, less I put on whitewashed veneer.
But a lot of the time. I choose. I choose to love and serve those around me. And I choose to create a positive and life giving environment around me. And you should too.
4a. Stop telling people how tired you are (or how busy you are for those of us back in the States)
Give me a break. You aren’t that tired (or busy). You’re making an excuse why you don’t want to do ministry, or why you don’t love those around you. This is the lamest excuse on the World Race, and I cannot handle it.
Don’t lie to others (and even worse yourself), pretending that all of this saintly mission work is so overbearing that your physical body just can’t quite hold up.
We have no earthly idea how easy we have it in 21st century America. We don’t work the fields for 12 hours a day. We don’t carry giant jugs of water 5 miles twice a day. We can be outrageously lazy, and don’t like discomfort.
Paul likens the Christian life to a marathon, the actual Greek word is agōnizomai–we get the word agony.
Understood in this illustration is the concept of perseverance. Pushing yourself beyond what your mind and body thinks it can do. If you constantly quit and take breaks the minute life gets hard, you will never experience great growth.
When you’re tired, that’s when you are weak, that’s when you physically know that you need Jesus. Why would you stop the minute you really need Jesus?
4b. Learn what God’s rest is
My other biggest frustration with World Racers is the phrase, “I just need to rest.” The majority of the time that’s not true. What they are really saying is, I’m tired and I want to turn off my mind and do nothing.
THAT IS NOT REST.
Rest is not watching multiple tv episodes on your computer. Rest is not taking a 3 hour nap instead of doing ministry. Rest is not ignoring the needs of those around you, only engaging yourself. That’s narcissism and selfishness.
Are you actually tired? Are you legitimately emotionally, physically, or spiritually drained? Then learn to access the supernatural rest of God. Which is available at anytime. The difficult thing about it is, you actually have to spend time with God.
Here’s what you need to do. Go read the story of the Israelites trip to the Promised Land (a symbol for God’s rest).
· Read the book of Deuteronomy (I promise it’s way better than you remember or think)
· Read the first few chapters of Joshua.
· Read Hebrews ch. 1-4 (specifically 3:7-4:13)
Then you’ll understand God’s rest. Then you won’t always give in to “what you feel like”. Then, you will be able to endure, take joy, peace, and rest no matter the situation or circumstance you find yourself.
But don’t ever tell me you need rest, until you’ve sought hard after God’s rest.
5. Freaking have fun
The World Race is a craaaazy experience. Act silly, make ridiculous videos, don’t let your inhibitions prevent you from making an unforgettable memory. (although use wisdom of course : ))
Take ever opportunity you can to do something awesome. I mean, when else are you going to find yourself stranded in the middle of an African wasteland with no transportation and a bunch of new “friends” who don’t speak English?
I loved my World Race so much. I want everyone who goes on it to enjoy it as much as I did.
And you will, if you follow these simple guidelines.
If you aren’t on the World Race. I want you to experience the fullness of life as well. And you know, these steps are pretty helpful for us as well.
What did I miss? How do you get the most out of your life or your World Race?
