A Blessing Epidemic!
Epidemic Blessings
Recently, I had the privilege of participating in the Free Methodist Urban Fellowship annual meeting, in my former church in Twinsburg, OH. It was one of those times when what God had prepared for me to share was affirmed by what God had other presenters share. It was as if there was the sensational sense that God was revealing his plan and approach towards blessing the Urban communities around the world.
As I contemplated what I should share with the group, I was reading about some of the general public health issues globally. I thought of the devasting effects of recent epidemics and outbreaks around the world. As I thought about these things, I began to question what makes up an epidemic. An epidemic is defined as "The quality of affecting many people at the same time, spreading from person to person, in an area or sphere where the condition is not prevelant". It can be an infectious agent (viruses, bacteria, parasites), a behavior (teenage pregnancy for instance), or even a mindset (conservatism, marxism, etc). Obviously, all of these things are spread differently, but it still comes from person to person.
What if blessing could be an epidemic! What if God wants us to think and to share our blessings (spiritual, physical, emotional, social) in a way that "infects" others to do the same. What if the blessing would begin as an infection does: a subtle exposure followed by a delay, then marked effects of that exposure.
I believe that God wants an epidemic of blessing. God's initial blessing of Abraham in Genesis 12 reveals that Abraham was blessed so that through him "all nations would be blessed". There is a tendency for the church to "bless" itself. Simply speaking, a majority of our resources focuses on ourselves. We do not often feel compelled (as Jesus or the ancient church) to be a blessing, despite being the recipients of tremendous blessings. Our communities do not experience epidemic outbreaks of blessing because we have chosen to quarantine ourselves in beautiful sanitariums that we call church.
Is your neighborhood blessed because you are there? I understand that we are all blessed by your presence:-), but I am asking if the lives of those in your neighborhood are better because you have shared some of your blessings with them. If not your neighborhood, how about your work place?
Will you consider blessing the communities in which you participate with. This kind of intentionality requires a cost of time, resources, and most important, your life. In order to share blessings on a regular basis it requires you to open up your life to others and that has a cost. This is real hospitality in which Christians are commanded to practice (Romans 12:13). Take time today and indentify a community of people in which you are regularly in contact, and ask God how you can bless them and begin an full-blown epidemic!
Check back tomorrow as I outline a few strategies that will help you begin the epidemic where you live.
God bless,
Pastor M Traylor
Recently, I had the privilege of participating in the Free Methodist Urban Fellowship annual meeting, in my former church in Twinsburg, OH. It was one of those times when what God had prepared for me to share was affirmed by what God had other presenters share. It was as if there was the sensational sense that God was revealing his plan and approach towards blessing the Urban communities around the world.
As I contemplated what I should share with the group, I was reading about some of the general public health issues globally. I thought of the devasting effects of recent epidemics and outbreaks around the world. As I thought about these things, I began to question what makes up an epidemic. An epidemic is defined as "The quality of affecting many people at the same time, spreading from person to person, in an area or sphere where the condition is not prevelant". It can be an infectious agent (viruses, bacteria, parasites), a behavior (teenage pregnancy for instance), or even a mindset (conservatism, marxism, etc). Obviously, all of these things are spread differently, but it still comes from person to person.
What if blessing could be an epidemic! What if God wants us to think and to share our blessings (spiritual, physical, emotional, social) in a way that "infects" others to do the same. What if the blessing would begin as an infection does: a subtle exposure followed by a delay, then marked effects of that exposure.
I believe that God wants an epidemic of blessing. God's initial blessing of Abraham in Genesis 12 reveals that Abraham was blessed so that through him "all nations would be blessed". There is a tendency for the church to "bless" itself. Simply speaking, a majority of our resources focuses on ourselves. We do not often feel compelled (as Jesus or the ancient church) to be a blessing, despite being the recipients of tremendous blessings. Our communities do not experience epidemic outbreaks of blessing because we have chosen to quarantine ourselves in beautiful sanitariums that we call church.
Is your neighborhood blessed because you are there? I understand that we are all blessed by your presence:-), but I am asking if the lives of those in your neighborhood are better because you have shared some of your blessings with them. If not your neighborhood, how about your work place?
Will you consider blessing the communities in which you participate with. This kind of intentionality requires a cost of time, resources, and most important, your life. In order to share blessings on a regular basis it requires you to open up your life to others and that has a cost. This is real hospitality in which Christians are commanded to practice (Romans 12:13). Take time today and indentify a community of people in which you are regularly in contact, and ask God how you can bless them and begin an full-blown epidemic!
Check back tomorrow as I outline a few strategies that will help you begin the epidemic where you live.
God bless,
Pastor M Traylor
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