Last week we were on vacation, which means that my office at church was open. I ran over to church to grab something last night and saw someone had moved in to my space.
I think the staff at Avenue missed me so much that they made a replica of me...or at least that's what I'm telling myself ;-)
I've shared this with many before: I never thought in my life that I would be a Senior/Lead Pastor at a church this early in my life; and after being in this role for over three years, I still don't always feel qualified, worthy enough, skilled, etc to "be in charge." Yet, I am fully convinced that wherever God has me, or you, or anyone, He has divinely put you to "be in charge" of whatever sphere of influence you find yourself in, whether intentionally or unintentionally.
This really hit home with me yesterday after leaving church and stopping at the grocery store. I ran into a woman from our church who I had the privilege of serving alongside in student ministry and my kids (as well as so many others) have been blessed by her faithful teaching. We began talking about her recent career transition and how the Lord has divinely moved to not only provide for her, but give her another opportunity to love on and care for special needs students. It is clearly a gift she has and God continues to use her to positively influence the kids and their families. And as we're talking about this, one of the workers from the grocery store approached us. And sure enough, he was a special needs adult. The conversation ensued and this woman, my sister in Christ, was right in her element, her sphere of influence. She used her gifts, passions and kindness to love on this man and make him feel known and cared for by our Heavenly Father.
She was in charge because God had charged her to lead and love.
I have to remind myself of this daily. Wherever God has given me a sphere of influence, I am called to use my gifts, passions and kindness to love and lead those around me. Doesn't matter if I feel qualified or equipped to be a husband, father, pastor, coach, I have to lead and love like Jesus did.
It reminds me of what we will celebrate in Christianity this week: Holy week. Jesus' entry into Jerusalem knowing exactly what He had to do:
Give up His life for my sins and yours.
Defeat sin, shame and Satan once and for all.
Offer new life, the best life, to all who believe in Him as Savior.
The world and culture around Him didn't accept His God-given influence and purpose, but it didn't stop Him from being in charge and doing exactly what He needed to do, what He wanted to do. May we look to Jesus' example, or my sister from church's example, and humbly step up to be in charge and do exactly what God has called us to do. It's the only way that more people will live out and experience the new life that Jesus offers us all. So, go ahead and "be in charge" because God's put you there already and has given you all power and authority to lead and love!