Generous Obedience

I was writing Christmas cards to some of my full time volunteers this morning at work.  These are people who literally put in as many hours on the job as I do, but don't take home a single penny or any other measurable benefit for their time and effort.  They amaze me.  As I wrote to one precious couple who have given and given to Cornerstone and its clients this year, I thanked them for their "generous obedience".  It was a phrase that just came to me as I was writing, but I haven't been able to get it out of my head since.

That particular couple has basically allowed the Lord to turn their lives inside out and upside down as they've followed Him on a wild roller coaster ride into full time ministry this last year.  They have opened their hearts and lives to others in new and profound ways, and they will tell anyone listening that they are not the same people they were just twelve short months ago before either of them ever set foot in my office.

As a director of volunteers, there is no greater story.  It is the perfect tale of people impacting and being impacted through volunteerism.  But, as a follower of Christ, it's an even more powerful lesson.  Because this man and woman were willing to obediently follow God into a great unknown and have continued to walk faithfully through the doors He's opened despite numerous difficulties and hardships, countless lives have been touched.  That's the generosity of their obedience.  In obeying God, they gave generously to all who were standing near enough to see.

Because they obeyed, I am challenged and encouraged and energized in my own commitment to obedience.  Because on multiple occasions throughout the year, they continued to obey when I thought for sure any sane person would have thrown in the towel, I was challenged and encouraged and energized to go harder and farther with Christ.  Because they obeyed in the small things then looked for ways to obey in the bigger things, I was challenged and encouraged and energized to match their enthusiasm in my own life. Their obedience became a generous gift to me.  And, I know I'm not alone.

This year, I have been made aware in so many special ways of the power of the Body of Christ.  I have been reminded over and over again that, as believers in Christ, we never act alone.  

Run hard. Run fast. Run long. In one direction.

Brothers and Sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God in Christ Jesus has called me heavenward. Philippians 3:13-14