Jesus calls us to change, not for change’s sake, not to attempt to change the Word of God to us, but to change how we operate to change more of the hurting lives around us.    That means when we are in church, we need to present the Gospel in a multitude of ways, so that more people might be reached.   Some will be reached by traditional ways; others will be reached by non-traditional ways.  As beloved as some of our Moravians customs are, they were viewed as “radical” by others around them as they were developed in the 18th century.   

The Gospel will not always be comfortable for us.  In fact we might be afflicted in presenting the Gospel.  Oh, we will not suffer government persecution as in some countries, but perhaps simply by not getting our preferred ways of worship.  It is not about us; it is about reaching people for Christ.  It is about making Christ real for others.  It is about being their brothers and sisters in Christ. It is about taking the Gospel beyond our church walls.       

In so many of the Gospel stories, Jesus is telling the crowds that God is looking at your motives.   Church growth is not about ensuring the name of our church continues or that the budget is met.  Our motive is to be excited about Jesus Christ, and ensuring each one of us knows Christ personally, so we can share that pure joy with others.   

Is Christ calling you to move out of your comfort zone for the Gospel?  Are you answering the call?