“Suffering affects each of us in three ways:
1. Suffering as the result of living in a fallen world (e.g., infertility, natural disasters, etc.);
2. Suffering as the result of my personal sin (e.g., addictions, anger, racism, etc.); and
3. Suffering as the result of someone else’s sin (e.g., victims of abuse, hate, anger, etc.).
Our churches are filled with people in every category.”
Because of this suffering, we want freedom – in fact, we need freedom. But how will we get this freedom? Jesus tells us that we can only receive complete liberty by becoming his disciples – and that occurs through faith in Him and obedience to His Word. Therefore, our task is to lead people out of suffering into the way of freedom by pointing them to the only One who can give freedom. After we choose to begin a relationship with Him, He will start pointing out areas in our life that need to be “cleaned up.” He will also give us the power to obey Him.
“In the end, therefore, the goal or aim of gospel-centered leadership is the formation of Christ in people who long to see the formation of Christ in other people. We are called to make disciples who make disciples. It should be clear from what we know about our own sanctification process that this is a slow, arduous calling requiring patience and perseverance…. Discipleship is long, slow, and messy. In short, it’s hard to measure.”
That is why it is not something that we can just “check off the list.” Instead, discipleship (and therefore complete freedom) is something that takes a life-time to accomplish – but it is so worth it! I continue to be amazed at how faithful God is at giving me freedom from suffering and freedom from worry as I turn more of my life over to Him. I hope you’ll join me in testing this promise of God to its full measure.
We will find Him faithful!
(Quotes from ‘Creature of the Word’ by Matt Chandler)