Balancing Mission and Health in Our Journey

Summary

In our journey through life, we often find ourselves caught between two powerful forces: mission and health. The world around us, especially in a bustling city like New York, emphasizes mission—pursuing goals, achieving success, and constantly moving forward. Yet, there's an equally important call to maintain health, not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. The teachings of Jesus remind us that these two can coexist harmoniously. The Apostle Paul speaks of progress and joy, mission and morale, highlighting that our journey should be marked by both advancement and joy.

The Great Commission calls us to be on mission, spreading the message of Christ, but not at the expense of the Great Commandment, which is to love God and others. This balance is crucial for an emotionally healthy mission. Trusting in the Lord with all our hearts, as Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, is foundational. It challenges us to rely not on our own understanding or achievements but on God's guidance.

Reflecting on personal experiences, like my high school dream of playing in the NFL, I realized the importance of recognizing our limits. Despite our ambitions, we must understand that we are gifted yet limited. This acknowledgment doesn't diminish our worth but rather aligns us with God's purpose for our lives. The metaphor of the body of Christ in 1 Corinthians 12 illustrates that each of us has a unique role, contributing to the whole.

Jesus, despite his divine power, lived with limits, often withdrawing to seek God's will rather than succumbing to worldly pressures. His life teaches us to ask, "Should I do this?" rather than "Can I do this?" This question guides us to align our actions with God's will, rather than merely pursuing opportunities for the sake of success.

In a world filled with competing voices, Jesus invites us to listen to his voice, the voice of the Good Shepherd. He assures us of his love and guidance, not as a hired hand but as one who lays down his life for us. Trusting in him means acknowledging his goodness, truth, and beauty, and allowing his voice to guide our decisions and actions.

Key Takeaways:

- Balancing Mission and Health: In our pursuit of life's mission, it's crucial to maintain emotional and spiritual health. The teachings of Jesus emphasize that progress should be accompanied by joy, and mission should not overshadow the Great Commandment to love God and others. [01:46]

- Trusting in God's Guidance: Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts, rather than relying on our own understanding. This trust invites us to submit our ways to God, allowing him to direct our paths and align our lives with his purpose. [04:52]

- Recognizing Our Limits: While we are gifted, we must also acknowledge our limitations. This understanding helps us align our ambitions with God's will, recognizing that we are part of a larger body with unique roles and contributions. [10:35]

- Listening to the Good Shepherd: Jesus, the Good Shepherd, calls us to listen to his voice amidst the noise of the world. His voice, marked by love and sacrifice, guides us towards what is good, true, and beautiful, offering us a path of trust and obedience. [24:42]

- Aligning Actions with God's Will: In a world driven by opportunities and success, we are called to ask, "Should I do this?" rather than "Can I do this?" This question helps us discern God's will, ensuring our actions are aligned with his purpose and not merely driven by personal ambition. [30:03]

Youtube Chapters:

- [0:00] - Welcome
- [01:46] - Trust in the Lord
- [04:52] - Strength Through Christ
- [06:32] - High School Dreams
- [07:20] - Facing Reality
- [08:20] - Embracing Limits
- [10:35] - Gifts and Contributions
- [13:00] - Living with Wisdom
- [15:03] - Jesus' Example of Limits
- [16:09] - The Question of Should
- [17:43] - Voices of Influence
- [19:14] - Politics and Morality
- [22:19] - Jesus as the Way, Truth, and Life
- [23:34] - The Good Shepherd
- [24:42] - Listening to Jesus' Voice
- [26:10] - Jesus' Sacrificial Love
- [28:00] - Trusting the Good Shepherd
- [30:03] - Personal Reflection and Decision

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Proverbs 3:5-6
- 1 Corinthians 12:12-27
- John 10:11-15

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Observation Questions:

1. According to Proverbs 3:5-6, what are we encouraged to do with all our hearts, and what is the result of doing so?
2. In 1 Corinthians 12, how does Paul describe the relationship between the different parts of the body and their roles? What does this metaphor suggest about individual contributions within a community?
3. What does Jesus mean when he refers to himself as the "Good Shepherd" in John 10:11-15, and how does this contrast with the hired hand? [24:42]
4. How does the sermon illustrate the balance between mission and health using the example of Jesus' life and decisions? [15:03]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How might trusting in the Lord with all one's heart, as advised in Proverbs 3:5-6, challenge the typical mindset of self-reliance, especially in a city like New York? [01:46]
2. What does the metaphor of the body in 1 Corinthians 12 teach about recognizing both our gifts and limitations? How does this understanding affect our ambitions and roles within the church? [10:35]
3. In what ways does the concept of Jesus as the Good Shepherd provide a model for leadership and care within a community? How does this model differ from worldly leadership? [26:10]
4. The sermon suggests asking "Should I do this?" instead of "Can I do this?" How does this shift in questioning influence decision-making in personal and professional life? [16:09]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a recent decision where you relied on your own understanding rather than trusting in God's guidance. How might the outcome have differed if you had applied Proverbs 3:5-6? [01:46]
2. Identify a personal limitation that you have struggled to accept. How can recognizing this limitation help you align your ambitions with God's purpose for your life? [08:20]
3. Consider a situation where you felt pressured to conform to societal expectations. How can Jesus' example of withdrawing to seek God's will inspire you to make decisions based on divine guidance rather than external pressures? [15:03]
4. In what ways can you actively listen to the voice of the Good Shepherd amidst the noise of competing voices in your life? What practical steps can you take to prioritize this voice? [24:42]
5. Think of a time when you pursued an opportunity based on personal ambition rather than discerning God's will. How can you incorporate the question "Should I do this?" into your future decision-making processes? [16:09]
6. How can you use your unique gifts to serve others in your community, acknowledging both your strengths and limitations as described in 1 Corinthians 12? [10:35]
7. Reflect on a relationship or situation where you have acted as a "hired hand" rather than a "Good Shepherd." How can you shift your approach to demonstrate genuine care and commitment? [26:10]

Devotional

Day 1: Balancing Mission and Health
In the fast-paced world we live in, especially in cities like New York, the drive to achieve and succeed can often overshadow the need for emotional and spiritual well-being. The teachings of Jesus remind us that our life's mission should not come at the expense of our health. The Apostle Paul speaks of progress and joy, emphasizing that our journey should be marked by both advancement and joy. The Great Commission calls us to spread the message of Christ, but it must be balanced with the Great Commandment to love God and others. This balance is crucial for an emotionally healthy mission. By trusting in the Lord and not relying solely on our understanding, we can maintain this balance and ensure that our mission is accompanied by joy and love. [01:46]

Isaiah 30:15 (ESV): "For thus said the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, 'In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.' But you were unwilling."

Reflection: In what ways can you intentionally create space for rest and spiritual renewal in your daily routine to ensure your mission is balanced with health?

Day 2: Trusting in God's Guidance
Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts, rather than relying on our own understanding. This trust invites us to submit our ways to God, allowing Him to direct our paths and align our lives with His purpose. In a world that often values self-reliance and personal achievement, this can be a challenging call. Yet, it is through this trust that we find true direction and purpose. By acknowledging God's sovereignty and seeking His guidance, we can navigate life's complexities with confidence and peace, knowing that He is leading us according to His perfect will. [04:52]

Jeremiah 17:7-8 (ESV): "Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to trust God fully? How can you begin to surrender this area to Him today?

Day 3: Recognizing Our Limits
While we are gifted, we must also acknowledge our limitations. This understanding helps us align our ambitions with God's will, recognizing that we are part of a larger body with unique roles and contributions. The metaphor of the body of Christ in 1 Corinthians 12 illustrates that each of us has a unique role, contributing to the whole. By recognizing our limits, we can better understand our place within God's plan and appreciate the diverse gifts of others. This acknowledgment doesn't diminish our worth but rather aligns us with God's purpose for our lives, allowing us to serve effectively and joyfully. [10:35]

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

Reflection: How can acknowledging your limitations lead to a deeper reliance on God's strength and a greater appreciation for the gifts of others in your community?

Day 4: Listening to the Good Shepherd
In a world filled with competing voices, Jesus invites us to listen to His voice, the voice of the Good Shepherd. He assures us of His love and guidance, not as a hired hand but as one who lays down His life for us. Trusting in Him means acknowledging His goodness, truth, and beauty, and allowing His voice to guide our decisions and actions. By tuning into the voice of Jesus, we can discern what is truly important and align our lives with His will. This requires intentionality and a willingness to quiet the noise around us to hear His gentle and loving guidance. [24:42]

John 10:27-28 (ESV): "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand."

Reflection: What practical steps can you take to quiet the noise in your life and better hear the voice of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, guiding you?

Day 5: Aligning Actions with God's Will
In a world driven by opportunities and success, we are called to ask, "Should I do this?" rather than "Can I do this?" This question helps us discern God's will, ensuring our actions are aligned with His purpose and not merely driven by personal ambition. Jesus, despite His divine power, lived with limits, often withdrawing to seek God's will rather than succumbing to worldly pressures. His life teaches us to prioritize God's will over personal gain, leading to a life of purpose and fulfillment. By seeking God's guidance in our decisions, we can ensure that our actions reflect His love and truth. [30:03]

James 4:13-15 (ESV): "Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit'—yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.'"

Reflection: What is one decision you are currently facing where you need to ask, "Should I do this?" rather than "Can I do this?" How can you seek God's guidance in making this decision?

Quotes

1) "Now, one of the ways that we've talked about it is how the Great Commission, the Christian teaching about the Great Commission, we are on mission, and at the same time, we're not supposed to do it at the expense of the Great Commandment. Now, what is the Great Commandment? The Great Commandment, of course, is to love God with every part of who you are and to love others as you love yourself. So when we talk about Emotionally Healthy Mission, we're talking about the Great Commission and the Great Commandment." [01:46] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2) "Now, do I regret going out for the team and doing my best? No, I don't regret it. I wanted to give everything. But at the end of the day, here's a realization that came to me, is that I have limits. There's the limits of like, I'm actually not fast enough. I'm not strong enough. I'm not athletic enough. I have limits. You know what's interesting about the scriptures is that that passage in the book of Philippians, when it says, I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength, the immediate, it was actually a letter that was written to a church. And in that letter, right before this phrase, Paul basically says, I've learned what it means to have a little bit of money, and I've learned what it is to have a lot. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." [10:35] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3) "Now, what is Peter writing here? What Peter is basically saying is every single one of us have gifts that we contribute to the world around us, but they're different gifts, and every single one of us, what we're called to do is to use those gifts to steward them for the good of others, the good of the world, and the good of the church. Now, the apostle Paul would actually write to the church in Corinth, and he would use a metaphor that would be very similar to this theme. Look at what Paul writes, 1 Corinthians chapter 12. He says, just as a body, though one has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. Even so, the body is not made up of one part, but of many parts." [13:00] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4) "Now, you know what's so crazy is that Jesus in his ministry, Jesus was someone who raises the dead. He opens the eyes. He opens the eyes of the blind. He actually makes the lame walk. He teaches with incredible authority. And Jesus, what's so crazy is that he actually himself, filled with extraordinary power, at the same time would be someone who would live with limits. And in fact, there's this story in John chapter 6. He's just finished feeding 5,000, scholars estimate even thousands more than that. And look at what it says. It says, after the people saw the sign that Jesus had performed of feeding so many. They began to say, surely this is the prophet who is to come into the world. Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself." [15:03] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5) "Now, you know what's so interesting is that Plato is writing this and talking about a philosophy that would help govern the human spirit, something beyond human beings that we could grasp onto and hold onto for what is good and beautiful and true. And Jesus shows up in the world, and he says this, I am the way. The truth and the life. Anyone, in your quest for human meaning and a voice that could help govern you, that could help you through the ups and downs of life, if anyone is looking for that voice, I am the way, the truth, and the life. Now, immediately, some of us are like, well, how do I know I can trust that voice? Well, here's what Jesus would do. See, Jesus would live and die, but he would resurrect from the grave." [22:19] (57 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6) "Notice what Jesus says. Jesus says, I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, this hired hand, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. Do you see what Jesus is basically saying? He's like, I'm not like some person that's just hired to love you. Recently, I was kind of with a group of people who are pretty wealthy. And one of the things that they were confiding in me is they were sharing that with all the wealth that they've amassed, one of the hardest things about being wealthy is someone told me that they're constantly hit up for money." [26:10] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7) "How do we know that Jesus is good and beautiful? How do we know that he's true? How do we know that he's worth following? How do we know that his voice is the safest voice? It's because it's a voice that's not, it's not there just as a hired hand, just so that you would somehow reciprocate a kind of love. It's because this is the good shepherd who would actually lay down his life for you. That he demonstrates to you and to me that he's the good shepherd. He's not some hired hand. He's someone who wants what's best for you. Someone who would give his life for you." [27:25] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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