Small Steps To Expanding Influence
Fundamentals are the foundation of accomplishing great things. The boring and routine tasks that few see before someone becomes skilled in their craft. I love to watch a great baseball pitcher or listen to a concert pianist and wonder how much time must have gone into mastering the fundamentals. Boring repetition that one day bursts into magnificence!
William Carey, the renowned missionary, once said, “Expect great things from God; Attempt great things for God.” That sounds like someone who wanted to be magnificent for God! He did accomplish great things for God, but through a ministry based on the fundamentals. Carey would often refer to it as a ministry of plodding. Steady faithfulness that eventually leads to exponential results.
As I was reading through Acts 2, the fundamentals of our faith began jumping off the page. I know the context of Acts 2 is regarding the corporate life of doing church, but we are the church (if you don’t consider yourself to be a Jesus follower I’m so glad you’re reading this. Welcome and I hope it gives you some insight into what church is really about). There are some fundamentals we’re given as Jesus followers, and as we exercise discipline, God magnifies our influence. These fundamentals are a commitment to Scripture, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. It’s a few verses down, but I’d also argue the fundamental of sharing our faith.
As school and a new season begin, it’s important to consider the fundamentals once again. Calendars get crowded, and busyness sets in. There are always excuses as to why we must compromise on the fundamentals, but when we do, life begins to break down. As believers, we need one another to help us focus on the fundamentals. Scripture, generosity (fellowship means to share in common), community, prayer, and evangelism are the pillars of discipleship, individually and corporately. Discipleship can feel like a daunting endeavor but it’s simply to pursue Jesus through these key fundamentals: Reading and applying God’s word, living generously with our time and resources, doing life together, praying/praising, and sharing our faith are all ways for us to join the Holy Spirit in what He is doing in the world.
My favorite part of Acts 2 is the last few verses. They ate their food with joyful and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. Every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.
When the simple disciplines of life are infused with God’s joy, and we praise God for who He is, people take note. These early Jesus followers expressed faith through the fundamentals, and it was God who extended their influence! Great things will come through small daily commitments to embrace the fundamentals.
Where would we like to see our discipleship developed this season? Perhaps it’s reading and applying God’s word, living generously, leaning into community, praying, or sharing our faith. Embracing the fundamentals can feel like we’re plodding away, but it’s the discipline of discipleship that God uses to grant us expanding influence.