Friday greetings,
My name is Michael and I started my new job as the Bay Life IMPACT ministry student intern this past Tuesday. One of my job responsibilities is to keep you who read this blog updated on what's going on within our ministry & how God is working in the lives of those involved. So enough worthless banter, I'm sitting in my office today wondering if we understand the true meaning of Create: Music. Art. Coffee.
I think in the past we've misuderstood the underlying goal of what Create is...so I wanted to take a few minutes to lay out our vision for what we want this event to accomplish and become.
Create has always been a night of fun, art, music, fellowship and appreciation of others' gifts & talents. On the other hand, I feel like we have made it what it is not ... a night off from doing what God has called us to do - reach out into the world and share the light that resides within us as believers. I feel like it may have become an excuse for some of us to take a night off. We say things like, "I'm not that into art" or "I don't like coffee" or even "It's not my scene"... Let me encourage you that sharing the love of Christ with those who have come to share their talents and skills with us, those who don't know the unexplainable love of our Savior, is our mission. I believe Jesus said it perfectly,
'And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.' The second is this: 'You are to love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these. Mark 12:30-31
When I read this, I feel like Christ is telling me that He comes 1st, others come 2nd, and I come last! Being a follower of Christ is not about you or me but others. So as the carriers of the name of Christ, it's impossible to justify taking the night off.
This is an opportunity for us to invite those who are not familiar with the name of Christ to come in and share their talents, and passions. Let's not miss the opportunity to share the love of Christ because of a misconstrued agenda of what's really important.
So, as we continue in the path that God has chosen for us to follow, my prayer is that we can redefine what this event is all about and really make it grow it into something great - to give those who don't know the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, an opportunity to come and fellowship with us as we love and encourage them with the same love that Christ shows us. Life isn't about what we do for us but what we do for others
Join us as we fulfill the Great Commission, Mathew 28:19 - To go and make disciples...
Praise the Shepherd,
Mike
Michael Sanders
Impact Intern
Bay Life Church
813.661.3696 x227
