The last 2 months of my life have taken me all over the Balkan countries of Europe; Albania, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Romania, and Greece. It has been such a blessing being back out with the World Race, this time Squad Leading R Squad. Heart aches for the lost, seeing people set free, healings on the streets, prayers of boldness and faith, learning more about identities, and true community living have already been on display.
However, amidst all The Kingdom building and growth there has been one particular thing that has been continually knocking on my heart.
When we were in Thessaloniki, Greece seeking churches to partner with, praying for the sick, sharing the gospel with the Greeks, and interceding for the city; I felt the need to read 1 and 2 Thessalonians since I was actually in the city in which Paul was writing to.
What stuck out to me was how Paul commends the Thessalonians for being such wonderful imitators of Paul and his crew. That’s when it hit me..
Say I went out to the streets of Thessaloniki and shared the gospel with someone and they began to follow Jesus as Lord and Savior, and from that moment they proceeded to follow me around everywhere I went for a year as I began to disciple them. They stayed at my house, we had meals together, went to the bank together, got groceries together, literally did life with me for a year as I was discipling them in what it looked like to follow Christ. At the end of that year, what would they do well? What part of Jesus would they be completely missing out on? How would they treat street kids (or the homeless in the U.S.)? What parts of my life would I be removing because I didn’t want them to see because I know it is sin? What things would I begin to add to my life because I want them to understand? Would they see the power of the gospel in my daily life? Would they see the gentleness of God?
This is something I’m desiring and pursuing. I want to continually learn to imitate Christ so I may be confident as those around me imitate my actions. Let’s raise up a generation that doesn’t just take the gospel in word but in power and in the Holy Spirit (1 Thess. 1:5)!! May we be bold and faithful imitators.
