Jesus’ arch-enemy loves to discourage me and he tried his best recently. But his lie fell on deaf ears; I knew better.
For years, I have taught others on the contrast between Kingdom culture metrics and those of the world. In so doing, I have highlighted how the world tends to measure success within Jesus’ House via “nickels” (finances) and “noses” (attendance), but He utilizes very different metrics.
The Master’s preeminent metric for Kingdom culture is His Father’s preeminent value, namely love. Jesus prayed for, taught on and modeled this ideal throughout His ministry. Walking out this value was a top priority and the centerpiece of His final discourse with the twelve apostles (Jn 13-17).
So, have you noticed how Jesus uses this metric in His letter to the Ephesian community (Rev 2:1-7)? Apparently, they had lost sight of this priority in spite of the influence of Paul, Timothy and John. And Jesus is not bashful with His feedback: “Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. (vs. 2:4). The love of God and one another (the Great Commandments – Mk 12:30,31) is the primary metric for Kingdom culture.
But Jesus also prayed for, taught on and modeled another Kingdom metric, namely discipleship. I utilize two qualifiers to help me communicate how Jesus invested in His followers. He not only discipled His followers by accelerating their intimacy with His Father (heart discipleship), He also equipped them to serve others (ministry discipleship). From my vantage point, this Great Commission (Mt 28:18-20) metric is the second most important standard for Kingdom culture.
Jesus’ evaluative letter to the Ephesian community continues as follows: “Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first” (vs. 2:5). What does Jesus mean by the phrase “do the things”? Given what we know about this church as well as the ministry of Paul, Timothy and John, I am convinced that Jesus is calling out their lack of intentional discipleship — a Great Commission shortfall. How do you interpret this verse?
So back to my story: How was I tempted recently?
Several months ago, Jesus’ enemy was harassing me shortly after the launch of my book with his misguided “nickel and noses” metrics. “Charlie, looks like you haven’t sold many books. I guess all your hard work was a colossal failure!”
Can you relate to this temptation?
After biting at Satan’s bait briefly, Jesus helped me re-establish His cornerstone standards for Kingdom culture. With His still, small voice, the Wonderful Counselor got me back on track: “Charlie, stay focused on what is most important: Loving others well and discipling My followers into the Upper Room”.
Boom! I’m always grateful when Jesus’ insights defuse and debunk the enemy’s lies!
Back on Jesus’ track again,
PS. I hope this blog connects a few dots as you review my relational and equipping assessments (see Resource page). Obviously, I am trying to help followers use Jesus’ metrics to assess their own faithfulness.
