Insight for the Journey

Does the phrase: “My life is my ministry” confuse you?

It is simply another way of saying that I am representing Jesus well everywhere I go. To do that well requires potency and proximity. Potency has to do with my spiritual strength, level of readiness and equipping. Proximity has to do with my closeness to unbelievers.

The formula goes like this: The greater my potency the greater my proximity can afford to be. But low potency makes high proximity potentially dangerous.

For instance, I am regularly asked questions similar to this: “Pastor Rex, as a Christian, should I still attend the block-parties with the neighbors on my street or the office parties with my co-workers?” When people ask that, they sound as though there is one answer that is appropriate for everyone.
There is not.

My answer is usually, “How high is your spiritual potency?” If they are well-grounded in scripture, walking victoriously with Christ, stable in their personal life, and generally mature, I’d say they need to be at those parties. That is the kind of spiritually potent Christian who is likely to make a positive difference. When neighbors or co-workers ask you to give a reason for the hope you have in Christ, you are likely to do it with clarity and confidence. The example you live out before them is also likely to be winsome and attractive. Why? Because you have high potency.

If, however, your spiritual potency is low, I’d caution you against too much fraternizing with people who may be cynical about Christianity. Your life may blatantly contradict much of what you are saying you believe and stand for. No one is ever a perfect representative for Jesus. But some are so bad it actually hurts the cause of Christ.

The ultimate goal of Grace Fellowship Church is to get Christians with high potency in situations of high proximity. That’s what it means to get the salt out of the salt-shaker.