Recently I have been thinking about a phrase I heard at the training camp we had for this trip, “You can’t change the world around you, until you have been changed yourself.” When I first heard that, my reaction was, “Duh! You have to be saved, in order to, bring Kingdom to the world.”
In retrospect, I had NO IDEA the depth of that statement, and what it would really mean in my life. I had NO IDEA what “change” and truly releasing the Kingdom of God meant. This morning, I had this analogy pop in my head that painted a vivid picture in my mind as to where I once was, where I am now, and where I am headed.
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This picture illustrates who I was at training camp. I was saved–I was safe in this boat, if I was careful. This was my vessel to go
out and release the Kingdom of God to my world around me. It
was a lot of work trying to oar by myself. I had Jesus inside of
me, BUT I felt like I had to work hard to come up with the right
“godly advice” my friends needed to hear. I felt like I had to work
hard to “figure out” what God wanted me to preach in youth
groups the few times I was given the opportunity. I felt like I had
to work hard to “keep up” with my bible reading and prayer life. AND, it was ten times harder to keep going with someone else in the boat with me.
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This picture illustrates me now. I have thrown away the oar and taken a seat, so the motor in my life can do the work. Being saved was the first step, but not even close to what all God had/has for me. God’s Spirit is alive and active in me. I’m beginning to understand what being “changed” really means, and what “releasing the Kingdom,” actually means. I’m called to live a life that literally brings Heaven to Earth. The best part is that it is not about me using an “oar.” Not only is it hard work, but it is not necessary. Christ is the motor on this boat. He just chooses to use me when we go places together. It is NOT about trying to say the right thing to people, it IS about speaking the words Christ gives me–whether that be prophetically or just words of knowledge. He has the words not me! Christ just lets me speak them sometimes! It is NOT about figuring out what to preach, it IS about being led by the spirit, and preaching is now the overflow of what is inside of me. I no longer “have to work” at reading the bible or praying everyday; it is something I can’t get enough of because of relationship, and longing for intimacy with Christ. 
EDIT>>> So one of our coaches gave me anotherr picture for my boat here–I am a sailboat.I do have control with the rudder, but my primary job is to hoist the sails, and let the Spirit put
wind to those sails. Both boats there is some steering I am responsible for, but it is through
the Spirit that I can move!
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If there was a picture of all of these combined, this would be an illustration of where I am going. I crave and long to dwell in the presence of God continually. I want where I am going to not look like anything ever before. I want to see what has never been seen before. I want to be so intimate with Christ, that each step that I take brings kingdom. That every breath I breath is the breath of Christ moving to others around me. I get to choose how fast, how deep, and how far my relationship goes for the rest of my life (sean smith). I want to do all three of these continually.
——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————There is never an “I’ve Arrived” moment. There is more than just getting yourself to Heaven. You choose how deep, far, and fast you go in your relationship with God. Don’t use an oar…go on the ride of your life with the spirit!
