Page 15 - Mission Journal

to purposefully work through our feel- can create a nurturing environment in knowledge and maturity and finally
ings, measure our thoughts and ac- and unburden our mission. engage in mission as mature Chris-
tions, and become fully cognizant of Today, the world is full of noise tians. Real maturity is marked by hu-
how they affect us and those around that destructs and makes it almost im- mility. In my research for this article,
us. possible for us to fully listen to our the Apostle Paul is referenced several
In a world where decisions are ba- calling or engage in a meaningful mis- times, speaking on the subject of ma-
sically focused on the "self," material- sion. We are constantly bombarded turity.
ism, the "I am better than you" con- with all kinds of information, news, Paul says that those who lead the
cept, maturity requires a tremendous the internet, podcasts, meetings, etc. church must mature in Christ and
amount of will power to dare be dif- demonstrate their maturity to the
ferent and pursue what feels right. church and their communities. He
There is a strive between the heart says that the goal of becoming more
and mind, will, self-discovery, and like Christ is an ongoing process for
need to do the right thing. Spiritual Christians. It's a life-long pursuit. As
maturity requires reaching a high level Christian leaders, we are challenged to
of self-worth and the achievement of strive and to learn to be more like
personal responsibility that can enable Christ. Paul says that even he had not
us to love unconditionally and give us reached the goal of perfection, but had
the ability to lift up each other. to keep on working on it.
It requires us to be compassionate, And just like him, we are called to
give up control and not self-seek, and press for a deeper understanding of
work collaboratively. It is a known God continually. We must pray, fast,
fact that we achieve more when we meditate, acquire knowledge, seek
collaborate than when we compete. silence, and practice brotherly love.
Spiritual maturity leads to inner peace, "A seed grows with no sound, but a When Christ-followers observe and
the ability to forgive, and free our- tree falls with huge noise. Destruction see the examples set by their spiritual-
selves of hatred and anger. It is ac- has noise, but creation is quiet. This is ly mature leaders, they will be encour-
cepting what can't be changed and the power of silence". (Confucius) So aged to do the same and inclined to
changing what can. how can we hear the gentle voice of engage in mission.
As we become spiritually mature, God calling us to mission above all _______________________________
we realize that everyone is at a differ- the noise and distraction? It is said
ent path in their faith journey, and it's that silence is an important exercise An educator and advocate for gender
equity for the last 20 years, Dr. Njuki
not our responsibility to judge them because it expresses God's mightiness; has worked with the church, NGOs,
but to help, support, and encourage it gives us a chance to hear Him and the UN, and educational institutions
them with love and compassion as others so that we can place ourselves around the world. She also served as
they grow so that eventually, we can humbly and generously at their ser- an Assistant General Secretary with
the Global Ministries of the United
engage in mission with them. Balanc- vice. Methodist Church.
ing our community's reality with self Silence allows us to learn and grow

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