2021 Impact - Embrace Your Sent-ness
If you would’ve asked me if I thought we would’ve been able to have our biggest Links USA Office year at a time when we couldn’t be face to face with our partners, I would have resoundingly said “No.” In spite of that, we saw an increased impact in almost every area.
While words like “unprecedented” and “new normal” are being thrown around every day and political polarization has taken center stage, I’ve been continually reminded that none of this has taken God by surprise. In fact, I’ve been embracing the reality that God is fervently at work during this time to bring about changes that have needed to be made for some time.
I don’t have all of the answers by any means, but as I lean into the Scriptures, I’ve been challenged by the teaching that we were never supposed to be “normal” in this world to begin with. The Word says in Romans 12 to “not be conformed to this age.” Don’t get sucked into the polarization. Don’t live as those who have no hope. Instead, live as those who have been transformed by the renewing of the mind. Live as those who believe God’s Word is alive and well and as relevant as ever. Live as those with greater hope.
As we move forward in a time of renewal, let’s remember these things.
Kingdom First - Our hope is never in anything else other than God. We are called now and always to seek first the Kingdom. Even if churches can’t gather publicly and mission trips can’t be experienced, there is ample opportunity to participate in the building of the Kingdom of God. There is no greater context for the GOOD NEWS of Jesus than when everything else is shaking. He is the cornerstone that has been rejected and sidelined for far too long. It’s time to put Him first - above all things. We must also remember that the Kingdom is much bigger than what any one nation is facing. God is an ‘every tribe and tongue’ God, and following Him means having our eyes on the whole world.
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.” - Matthew 6:33
Love Everyone - As our nation in the States has polarized based on where you get your news from, arguments have become hostile, disagreements have become battle cries and violence has appeared. Now more than ever, we need to remember that Jesus said we are to be known for our love for each other. Not just a hallmark, shallow, emotional love, but a deeply rooted love and care that overflows from the love God has for us. Jesus came to save the world with His love. Now more than ever…Loving our neighbors. and Loving our enemies is a much better word than the hostility that media and social media portray. Let’s get our love on and talk and post about that!
“For God loved the world in this way: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.“ - John 3:16-17
Mission Always - As we go and wherever we go, we are called to make disciples of all nations. Jesus has sent us to take His GOOD NEWS to the poor - not as a project or an accessory to our faith, but all the time. He has shown us that even a pandemic can’t stop that, and beyond that, the needs in the developing world (which are not making the news) are more significant than I’ve ever seen.
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” - Luke 4:18-19
“Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, I also send you.” - John 20:21
Here, a month into 2021, I think it’s important for all of us to embrace our “Sent-ness” from John 20:21. The world is in need of GOOD NEWS, and we’ve got plenty of GOOD NEWS to give. I believe that by working together we will have another incredible year of Confronting Poverty & Creating Potential.
Thank you, Links Family, for all you are doing. Please continue to pray for our organization, our workers, our projects, our partners and every life being touched with the GOOD NEWS of Jesus.
For the Kingdom,
Jason Bollinger