In this world it is important and crucial to decipher between the voice of God and the voices of “arrogant” mortal men filled with fear and “ mad” women with great intentions. It is so important that we listen to the prompting of the Holy Spirit in the word of God and obey God instead of waiting for others to validate all of our actions.
They told me I should never work at a Korean church.
They told me I was not black enough to work on the Southside of Chicago, they told me I was not equipped as a single man to preach to white married middle class people in the suburbs, they told me I was only at a Korean church to marry a submissive asian woman. God!... told me that I was called to love people and teach them the word of God.
They told me I was too old to mentor middle school boys. They told me it was crazy to recruit white males to mentor black middle schoolers.
They told me it was crazy to use secular music on Friday nights to reach teens with the Gospel. God!... told me that I was called to teach the word of God with simplicity and clarity.
They told me I was too African to work at a black church. They told me it was crazy to drive kids home at 10 o'clock at night after youth events. They told me it was crazy to reward kids with sausage biscuits for coming to Sunday school. ---- But, God told me that I was called to teach the Bible with creativity,intensity and clarity.
We never want to be stubborn, arrogant, or rude, so don’t take that advice as an excuse to turn away from wise counsel. What I am saying is that you have God’s word as the Internal GPS of your life. In his sovereignty He will place godly people in your life that you can trust to help you refine your vision. The following are a few needed attributes for anyone that wants to fulfill their purpose.
Flexible - God uses people who are flexible and willing to adjust to the situations at hand. When you’re called by God there is 100% chance that you will be leaving your comfort zone behind. God is not concerned with our comfort as much as He is concerned with our sanctification. Holiness beats happiness every time! Our level of usage is based on the amount of pain, discomfort, and confusion we are willing to endure.
Humility - Being humble is not declaring your gifts from the mountaintops or being boastful. Having humility means you are quick to ask for help. You work to strategically to build a team and learn from people who are smarter than you. Through being humble you will be able to admit your mistakes and you won’t move independently from God.
Remember that help might come from people we don’t want it from. Allow yourself to put pride aside so that you can get the task at hand accomplished in the most efficient way! Regardless of who is helping you.
Honesty - When you are honest, that means you are willing to be frank about your weaknesses and candid about your flaws. When you are able to face the truth and be transparent with others you will be able to properly delegate tasks that fall in the category of your weaknesses. By declaring your inabilities they won’t hold any power over you because you are choosing not to live in denial. Challenge yourself to tell the truth about your resume, reservations, weaknesses and remember to under promise so that you can always over deliver. If you only make promises about what you’re great at instead of leaning on potential you will always shine in your lane!
Teachability - Being teachable mean you are willing to accept correction from people who are more wise and successful. This can be tough because some people have their own agenda, but you must have faith in your ability to discern which individuals will make great mentors in your life. Once you have your mentors determined make sure you are always prepared to maximize your time with them. Whenever I know I am going to meet up with a mentor I already have 3 to 5 questions ready to ask them when I see them. Don’t waste their time or lose your window of opportunity to learn. Time spent with your mentors is time where you should be honest about your struggles, candid about what you can or can’t do, and be willing to look stupid in front of them so that you can get the knowledge you need.
Navigating this life can sometimes be confusing, don’t jump to conclusions or give up hope. I am writing it to celebrate God’s grace in my life! As I said in the beginning there was a lot of things that they told me not to do and despite their predictions God called used me to change lives.
A week from today, I will be speaking to 400 Korean American teens, teaching three faith driven events and reaching over 100 teenagers and on the Southside of Chicago and the Northside of Chicago. All through being flexible, honest, teachable and listening to God over man. People might laugh or talk about your methods, but don’t stop! Obey God and leave the consequences to Him. Trust and obey!
Respectfully
PJ
