2:318 – Challenge Accepted

#faithbites #faithjourney challenge

Having great relationship revolve around two things: invitation and challenge. Invitation is being open and inviting them to be part of your life. Challenge involves helping the other person to become a better version of themselves.

I am great on the invitation side. I’ll open my heart and my life to anyone. I lack in the challenge part. I’m not specific in my challenges and people dont respond to it. It’s something I need to work on.

Jesus on the other hand, was great at invitation and challenge. He invited people to come to him, then challenged them to change their ways or do things outside their comfort zone.

Where do you rate on the invitation and challenge scale?

Scripture

• When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. He told them: “Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra shirt. Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town. If people do not welcome you, leave their town and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.” So they set out and went from village to village, proclaiming the good news and healing people everywhere. – Luke 9:1-6

Reflection

Imagine being asked by someone you’ve known for about 6 months to leave with nothing but the clothes on your back and told to heal the sick and cast out demons. That you have no money or anything for food, a place to stay, or anything. I can’t imagine doing that. Some call that faith. I call it the ultimate challenge. Because Jesus has invited them to rest and live with him, he created an environment that they were ready to be challenged.

Our challenges pale in comparison to that. Many, like me tend to over invite without a challenge. Others over challenge without the invitation. Both can be harmful.

To truly disciple and live like Jesus, we need to challenge and invite.

I’m ready to make a step in that direction. Are you?

Challenge

Step outside your comfort zone and invite someone to your house for dinner. No agenda, no need for a perfectly clean house or a fancy dinner, just food and hanging out. You wi be surprised how that initial invitation leads to a relationship where you can challenge each other to grow.

Prayer

Lord, you give us a great example of Invitation and Challenge. Help us to strengthen ourselves in whatever skill we are lacking in. We know that true discipleship involves invitation and challenge. Fill our hearts with the Holy Spirit and help us build these deeper relationships. You are the great unifier, be with us as we try to connect and grow your people. In your name, Amen.