Evangelism, Calling, and Conversion

I just read this blog which was linked from an emerging church site. IT was talking about the idea of one's intentions regarding relationships in relation to conversion. (please read some teh post and some of the comments) This imediately reminds me of two things. One the movie, Big Kahuna, which is a very intelligent and well written story that bringsup this issue of salesmanship and evangelism. The other thing is teh strategy of Paul as he evangelized the GEntile Roman world. I think that everything that Paul did was to bring about a prescribed end result. Was this unethical? That's hard to pin on Paul. But there are differences in Paul from how we see many practice salsemanship evangelism. First we must look at the unique calling of God on Paul's life. He was an evangelist, an apostle. The only way hew could have been successful in his calling was to convert people (I know that ultimatle God converts people not Paul or anyone else, but you get my drift here) . So in looking at this issue, one must aske themself, "What does God want ME doing as a part of the Body?" The other rather fundamental aspect of Paul's ministry that can often be overlooked in a study of this issue, is teh reason we know much of anything about Paul's ministry. Most of the text that is the New Testament is made up of letters that Paul wrote to those that he began evangelistic realtionships with. Which means his intentions in these relationships were not just for the conversion but the discipleship and of teh believers and glorification of God in Christ. But also evident in these letters si pauls commitment to support systems. Paul new that these evangelistic endeavors needed to have have leaders to remain and care for teh converts and ongoing ministry of the body, as well as continued conversion. You can even see in Paul's writings the pain he feels some times that he cannot be th one to reamin and shepherd thos that he has seen take their first steps in to the Kingdom.
The sad reality of life and evangelism is that sometimes it isn't what God calls us to to see a particular relationship continue on. But in any relationship that begins that should be the honest intentions of teh initiators to continue that relationship until doing so would violate, or hinder teh greater call that God has on our lives........

Struggling with Lordship

Often in contemporary evangelical theology we talk about Being Saved, or coming to know Jesus. This is a glorious and miraculous grace that we are given, but there is also an aspect of a relationship with God that is over looked, Lordship. This can sometimes be a pet issue for me ever since I read Bonhoeffer and was enlightened to the Idea of 'cheap grace'. So, to whatever degree I understand that there is more to a Life with Christ than allowing Him to save me from Hell. But, as much as I understand this, I would say that this probably, like most (maybe all) honest Christians is one of my greatest struggles.
As of late, this struggle has been somewhat hidden. As, I go through seminary and ministry, I am obviously very conscious of me need to be an example. I will constantly throughout my life be in a position to set the standard for many people. ( or at least set A standard) As I read through Philippians this morning, the living Word revealed itself, not necessarily a new way, but in a reminding way. The text reads as follows:

2:3 Do nothing from selfish or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;
2:4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.

I would have to admit that sometimes, to my own despise, I do some of the things that I know I am 'supposed' to do, just because I know that people area watching. This is shameful for me to think about. I know that sometimes in the heat of this spiritual battle of Life it is acceptable to continue on in righteous action in the absence of the proper 'feeling' or desire. But I would say that it is even at times of laziness. But I furthermore need the Spirit of God to continue to renew my heart and my mind. I must put the interest of other above my own. For that is at least a sign of having been truly crucified in Christ. The Text goes on to give the example of Christ himself, who did not see the importance of keeping the divine status as important as the needs of people.
Lord, let my attitude be that of Christ Jesus himself. May I be emptied of all that I have tried to create in myself and be lead by nothing but the desires and interests of Your will and those you have put around me. For it is the beauty of your will and plan that I seek to see unfold. Praise be to my God and Savior whose selflessness is my example......