6 comments

Lina Abujamra

Wide Open Fields

Posted on 06.28.12 by Lina Abujamra | Twitter: @LinaMay
Topics: Relationship with God

Sometimes I look at the landscape of my life and see nothing but wide open fields. No mountains or valleys, no beachfront properties. Just wide open fields that span the horizon as far as my eyes can follow without a hint of wind in sight.

Do you ever feel that way? You realize that you’re not getting married anytime soon. You’re not about to have a baby. You’ve already graduated from college and have what you thought was your dream job. You’re part of a good church. Life is good, or at least good enough. You’re not going anywhere anytime soon, and the future looks–well–there.

You could set up new goals. You could strive for more, and if you read enough books they’ll convince you you must. But really, is this what life is all about? Is it about setting up new markers and achieving goals? Is it about climbing mountains and jumping off cliffs?

Or is looking at wide open fields enough? Is bigger really better? Is more really . . . more?

Jesus asked his followers to do simply one thing in life. He didn’t ask for bigger churches or a larger personal following. He didn’t ask for greater personal significance through the work that we do. He didn’t ask for better returns on our investments. He was interested in just one thing.

More disciples. More followers of Him.

We don’t need mountains and cliffs and temporary bliss. We don’t need to be known or accomplish great things. We really are called to simply do one thing: make disciples.

We are all looking at wide open fields, and they’re white with harvest, waiting to be picked. What is your plan for making disciples this year? When all is said and done, that’s all that will matter. Everything else will fade.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:19-20).

Comments

  1. Thank you so much for this post Lina. I am a SAHM and have made it my lifes work to begin with my 4 children in making disciples. 3 are out of he house as young adults and one testing her wings as a young teen. I too do not want significance or fame but want to leave a legacy of Jesus lover's. I want to be remembered by the fact that I loved God well and made much of HIM and loved my neighbor as myself beginning with my family.
    www.jodylynne.com
    posted by Jody
    on Thursday, June 28, 2012 at 9:27 am
  2. Dear Ladies,
    What a way to put the simple truth! Sometimes I feel like I better "go to school" to prove that I am inteligent or worthy of acceptance. I wouldn't mind going to college. but, for all intents and purposes, I really must first look ahead--at the white feilds--and go, or do what ever I do with that in mind. To harvest the fields for Jesus. The right attitude really is everything in what we are doing and making disciples is definately the priority Jesus is looking for. Praise to God!
    posted by Becky Jones
    on Thursday, June 28, 2012 at 9:31 am
  3. We are definitely living in a day where everyone wants recognition. More is classified as better.
    But in God's world... 1Timothy 6:6 (KJV)
    But godliness with contentment is great gain.

    To look out and see just fields... is not a bad thing, as this article articulates.

    I believe that even being His disciple doesn't have to be a striving to win others but others will be drawn to Him, by our love we have one for another.

    I heard a seasoned man, who was dying, tell his sons and gnd grandsons, as he was leaving to be with Jesus, the following verse.

    Micah 6:8 (KJV)
    He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

    As we do this... we will make disciples.

    God Bless You and ROH!
    posted by ~Lynn
    on Thursday, June 28, 2012 at 3:03 pm
  4. Beautiful!
    posted by Laura
    on Thursday, June 28, 2012 at 5:11 pm
  5. what a lovely post. so wonderfully simple and profound! I love that Jesus! The Jesus that doesn't tell you to strive more and elevate yourself. The Jesus that serves and loves and encourages us to serve and love others in His name and make disciples.
    And I love what Lynn added above, that making disciples doesn't have to be a striving thing either. If we just simply live and keep our eyes on Jesus, He will give us opportunities to make disciples.
    Love the Micah verse too.

    I have found myself asking Him lately if it can be that simple. I want it to be. I'm sick of striving. I want to love my family and serve my God.

    I feel He is saying "Yes, it can be that simple and you are on the right track."

    Thanks for the encouragement.
    posted by Stephanie
    on Saturday, June 30, 2012 at 8:16 pm
  6. Maybe living a simple life, telling the truth. That should bring in a few.
    N/A
    posted by judy
    on Sunday, July 1, 2012 at 10:53 am

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