It takes a village but it starts with you
- msrjjackson
- Sep 10, 2017
- 3 min read
Yesterday I had the privilege of being a part of the first Be The Village day. Be The Village is an outreach initiative that came around the idea that it truly takes a village to raise a child and so we can all 'be the village'. We visited a school in Soweto called Thlokomelo Primary School which is a special needs school for children with learning difficulties. The projects that were run were: worship, snacks, art and crafts and games with the kids, pamper zone where the parents got spoiled and served with tea coffee and snacks, painting and renovating the staff room, decorating 4 of the classrooms grade 3-6. It was an amazing day and as I reflect, it taught me many things. Things I feel I want to share with you.
"I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, if anyone steadfastly believes in me,he will himself be able to do the things that I do; and he will do even greater things than these, because I go to the Father" John 14:12
So Jesus tells us that we will be able to do the things that He did in his time on earth, and even greater. Well what did Jesus do: He was the greatest innovator of all time. Why do I say that, well I stole it from someone who spoke at a seminar, but think about it: Jesus solved everyday problems all the time. He was practical, he was physically helping people: healing, feeding the hungry etc. So we should be doing these things and greater, right?! So that is the first thing that needs to change in our mindsets for us to see change in our society, work place, families etc. We need to realise we are not just called to do what Jesus did but that Jesus declared we would do more. I know this changed my heart, I play things small and safe, Jesus never did that, not because He was a rebel but because He loves people. We need to realise we are called to more and the only requirement for us to do that is to steadfastly believe in Jesus.
Secondly, from this realisation, we need to be people of action. As a generation I feel we talk a lot. We have big dreamers and thinkers, which is needed, but faith without action is not just said to be ineffective or miss the mark. Faith without action is dead. I always thought that I would be a part of something, be a part of the movement. That is so awesome, however, the second mindset change I had was that maybe I am the 'something'. You are the revolution in your family. You are the something in your workplace. You are the movement in your community. This is not arrogance, this is the attitude that says if no one else will; I will. You will be surprised how many people God will gather around you when you step out. And you are allowed to start small, the important thing is to start.
My last thought, because I am scared I start rambling and lose you somewhere, remember the greatest commandment: love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and love people as yourself. What does that mean, well Jesus also said if you feed the hungry, clothe the naked, take care of the widows and orphans you do it unto Him. We are not primarily called to hold gatherings and worship - yes this fills us but the main thing is the pouring out. So discover what is in you and pour my dear. God made you to benefit the world, don't rob us of your manifestation of Christ. Be the village, be Jesus to your world
Peace and Love
Doe
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