“Most people . . . are trying to lead instead of accepting the invitation to follow. I call it the inverted gospel. And it’s absolutely unfulfilling. It’s not until you say to God, ‘whatever, whenever, wherever,’ that you begin living out the adventure God has planned for you. Trust me, you cannot follow Jesus and be bored at the same time.”- Mark Batterson
“Anything less than a conscious commitment to the important is an unconscious commitment to the unimportant.”- Steven Covey, First Things First
Mark Batterson concludes Chapter 12 of A Trip around the Sun as he acknowledges that during his childhood and high school years, his concept of following Jesus ran along these lines. Following Jesus involved Mark’s agenda for Him more than His agenda for Mark. Hence, whatever Mark chose to do, he welcomed God to come along.
However, at Bible college Mark’s prayer focus shifted. Mark began asking Jesus what he could do for Him. Rather than telling God what Mark wanted Him to do for Mark. As a result, Mark’s adventure began, his life started to change, and his desires began to shift.
Corrie ten Boom, once a prisoner of war in a German death camp, lived the rest of her life as a beacon of hope in war-torn Germany. In addition, Corrie traveled the world, spreading God’s message of light and life to millions.
Consequently, Corrie exhorts:
“We never know how God will answer our prayers, but we can expect that He will get us involved in His plan for the answer. If we are true intercessors we must be ready to take part in God’s work on behalf of those people for whom we pray.”
Certainly, Pastor Batterson notes, Corrie ten Boom most likely felt scared, anxious, brave, courageous, wounded, triumphant, weak, desperate, and hope-filled. But she never felt bored!
So, if you want to be great at something, Mark urges, be great at the Great Commandment!
Today’s question: Do you ever find yourself trending toward the inverted gospel? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Between our ears – decisions”