How many of you would be surprised to know that I self-published a novel on Amazon a few years ago? It's true. A close friend approached me with an idea, and after 4 years of collaboration, "B.O.R.N. for the Quest" was born (pun intended). BORN was our first foray into publishing. It was fraught with missteps, rewrites, and fits and starts...but it was fun. And that's the whole point of our effort together, Servant Leader. It wasn't work. It had no bearing on anyone's livelihood. It was pure, unadulterated fun.
Rick was the creator of both BORN and the Healing Waters storyline that we still need to produce. His mind is full of stories where our characters develop through their unique life experiences. BORN is the first in a series of historical Christian fiction novels, and I owe him a second and third book. Since publishing BORN in early 2020, we've met and talked about our 'next book' like an intangible goal, unreachable and unachievable, when in reality we've simply been uncommitted.
That's a struggle we all face, Servant Leader, in our work, in our family lives, and in our faith. We struggle with commitment. But Paul is clear in his instruction to the Philippians:
Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Phil 3:12-14, NKJV)
We are called to first commit to the call of Christ, which is to be witnesses to the world through our words and witness. We call ourselves Christians, but do we live a life that makes others want to become Christians?
Do we speak the truth at work and honor our word?
Do we put the needs of our family above our own needs or desires?
Do we recognize the opportunity to be Christ to someone who is lost, even if it means our suffering or persecution?
If I hid in the corner of your office on Monday morning, would I still recognize Christ in you at noon?
I'm not pointing fingers, Servant Leader, because these are the same questions I ask myself every day. How do I represent Christ in my work, in my life, or in my family? Do I represent Him as gracious or vindictive? Do I portray a Christ that someone wants to follow or run from? Do I lead my team to their benefit or to mine?
Am I as committed to Christ as He was to me on the cross?
I'll leave you to answer that for yourself. As for me, I intend on committing to my friend and getting his second book published in 2025. Maybe in the process, I'll return his representation of Christ in kind for once.
