The WidoW's mighT - Baptist Bible Tribune

A force for God and goodUrbanCurrentSteps away from the floor where MichaelJordan led the Bulls to multiple championships,300 leaders from across Chicagogathered at the United Center meetingroom. Mayor’s office reps, Chicago Police brass,elected officials, and secular social serviceagency leaders were meeting along with about150 mostly evangelical “faith community leaders.”This was the launch of a citywide effortto address escalating street violence. A pastorfriend of mine had been tapped by the mayorto lead the effort dubbed Exodus 20:13, “Thoushalt not kill.”When I arrived at the first planning meetingfor this event, it seemed mired in the sameold gun control rhetoric. Finally someoneasked “Well, Pastor Lyons, what do you think?”“I’m not sure you want to know what I think.”I responded. The ensuing discussion changedthe emphasis. Yes, there was still the gun controland legislation piece, but spiritual emphasisand prayer were primary.Now, at this United Center citywide Exodus20:13 roll-out, I was supposed to deliver asummarized version of the sermon I had beencharged to write which would be preached atchurches across the city on a designated Sundayas part of the campaign.I didn’t relish being the white guy preachingto a lot of men who could out preach mein their sleep, but they had insisted and here Iwas. To all appearances and by all accounts theHoly Spirit helped me connect. The three-pointmessage was based on Abraham, Esther, andJesus (keep the Muslims in the loop, touch basewith the Jews, and point everybody to Jesus).Preached in scores of churches, I heard feedbackfor weeks…from the hood to the mayor’soffice. (Email me and I’ll send you the outline.)How did I end up in such a situation? Ina spirited exchange with my prayer partnerone day over who we should and shouldn’t beinvolved with, he said to me simply, “If you’renot at the table, you have nothing to say.” Thathelped me. I’ve tried to make it my business tobe at the table in my community and in my city.Just being at the table has opened many doorsand provided numerous remarkable opportunities.I believe every city, every neighborhoodneeds righteous influence and a propheticvoice. We talk about being salt and light. If Iam not where decisions are being made then Iam just reacting after the fact. If I’m at the tablewith the leaders, I can influence the leaders.“And seek the peace of the city wither Ihave caused you to be carried away captives,and pray unto the LORD for it: For in the peacethereof shall you have peace” Jeremiah 29:7.This text communicates a very basic principlerelevant to us.The argument that we should depend onthe government for nothing is fallacious. Thecase for the government doing everything isstupid. The idea that God’s man plays no role inthe community is misinformed.The book of Nehemiah gives us a greatmodel. Clearly, there is the piece that only Godcan handle. We need to remember that theking’s heart is in the Lord’s hand. Next, thereis the role the king plays. The government hasa proper role. We ought to see to it that it playsthat role. No more, no less. Then there is theleader’s role. This is the man of God, speakingthe message of God to the king and to thepeople. Lastly, there is the role of God’s people.It just so happens that Nehemiah’s focus wasbuilding a wall necessary for protection. Safetyand protection are screaming issues where I live.Three principles will be helpful. Service.Service is humble. Anyone can serve. You can’tdo everything. Choose strategic opportunitiesfor service in your community. Service opensdoors.Relationship. Service connects you withpeople under the best possible circumstances,enabling you to begin to foster and nurturerelationships. Select key people and organizations.Through service you will meet and developrelationships with people you never wouldhave connected with otherwise.Engagement. “If you’re not at the table…”Your ongoing involvement in significant issues,carefully chosen events and efforts in the community,put you in a place of influence. Essentiallyyou are making yourself available. WhatGod does with this is up to Him.We know what our mission is. We are allabout proclaiming the gospel. We are all aboutwinning souls. We are all about taking as manypeople with us to heaven as possible. I see noconflict between that and being a voice of righteousnesswhere I live. I will make some enemies,I will win some souls. That’s all part of thebattle. We can be a force for God and good inour communities.by Charles Lyons, PastorArmitage Baptist Church,Chicago, Illinoischarles.lyons@armitagechurch.orgFebruary 2010 | Baptist Bible Tribune | 17