"Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it." Genesis 1:28
God's desire for us is to flourish. It is for this reason that we were created and for this reason that mission exists. The entire purpose of mission is a restoration of God's intentional design. Some theologians have referred to this command to be "fruitful and multiply" as the "creation mandate". God has invited us to be co-creators with him as an extension of his creativity. When we innovate and dream we are activating that part of us that is made in His image. This is our unique contribution in the context of God's created order. But so often this part of us begins to fade. We get caught up in the business of life and we begin to lose that spark and drive that we once had. Not only can this happen to individuals but it can happen to entire societies. Whole cultures can become entrenched in the tyranny of just getting by--just merely surviving. This is the work of Satan. The Bible says he comes to "steal, kill and destroy" (John 10:10). It is the exact opposite of God's purpose and plan. The good news is that in Christ we get reconnected to that supernatural power source which drives the abundant life. Jesus said "I have come that they might have life and have it to the full" (John 10:10). God wants us to dream big, to reach for the seemingly impossible, and to break out of present circumstances. This is both the engine and the destination of missions. God wants his people and his church to flourish. He wants us to be fruitful and multiply, and to fill the earth. He wants your life to be overflowing with significance in impacting the world for His glory. That only can happen if we are willing to take the risk of trusting him with our future, especially the daring step of faith that stands right before you.
Heavenly Father, grant us the grace to trust you for more and the obedience to venture out into it.
God's desire for us is to flourish. It is for this reason that we were created and for this reason that mission exists. The entire purpose of mission is a restoration of God's intentional design. Some theologians have referred to this command to be "fruitful and multiply" as the "creation mandate". God has invited us to be co-creators with him as an extension of his creativity. When we innovate and dream we are activating that part of us that is made in His image. This is our unique contribution in the context of God's created order. But so often this part of us begins to fade. We get caught up in the business of life and we begin to lose that spark and drive that we once had. Not only can this happen to individuals but it can happen to entire societies. Whole cultures can become entrenched in the tyranny of just getting by--just merely surviving. This is the work of Satan. The Bible says he comes to "steal, kill and destroy" (John 10:10). It is the exact opposite of God's purpose and plan. The good news is that in Christ we get reconnected to that supernatural power source which drives the abundant life. Jesus said "I have come that they might have life and have it to the full" (John 10:10). God wants us to dream big, to reach for the seemingly impossible, and to break out of present circumstances. This is both the engine and the destination of missions. God wants his people and his church to flourish. He wants us to be fruitful and multiply, and to fill the earth. He wants your life to be overflowing with significance in impacting the world for His glory. That only can happen if we are willing to take the risk of trusting him with our future, especially the daring step of faith that stands right before you.
Heavenly Father, grant us the grace to trust you for more and the obedience to venture out into it.