At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, our mission is to “Be the Change as Jesus has Changed Us.” This mission is rooted in the transformative power of Christ’s love and the call to live lives that reflect His holiness. As followers of Christ, we are called to be holy, set apart, and visibly different from the world around us. This calling is not just about adhering to a set of rules but about embodying the love and character of Jesus in every aspect of our lives.
Called to Holiness
The Apostle Peter reminds us in 1 Peter 1:15-16, “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.'” Holiness is not an option for believers; it is a command. It is a reflection of God’s nature and a testament to His work in our lives. When people see a loving marriage, disciplined children, honesty on the job, a great attitude at school, a joyful spirit, and kindness to others, they should be able to say, “You know who lives in that person? Jesus lives in that person.”
Living Breathing Testimonies
Our lives are meant to be living, breathing testimonies of Jesus Christ. This means that our actions, words, and attitudes should consistently point others to Him. In Matthew 5:16, Jesus says, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Our lives should be a beacon of hope and love, drawing others to the transformative power of the Gospel.
The Danger of Complacency
However, as Jim’s sermon reminds us, there is a danger in becoming complacent. The culture that the Thessalonian Christians lived in was not a godly one, much like our own today. Paul knew that if they stopped growing and stayed too long in one place, they would forget how to feed themselves spiritually. As Christians, we must keep moving forward, continually growing in our faith and love.
Be the Change
At Lakeview Christian Church, we embrace the mission to “Be the Change” through “Just 3”: Study, Share, and Serve. We study to love and know God, share to know and love others, and serve as love in action. By engaging in these practices, we ensure that we are not stagnant in our faith but are actively participating in God’s work in the world.
Conclusion
Let us commit to living lives that are holy and set apart, reflecting the love and character of Jesus. Let us be vigilant against complacency, continually seeking to grow in our faith and love. As we do so, we will be living testimonies of Christ, drawing others to Him and fulfilling our mission to “Be the Change as Jesus has Changed Us.”
