July 4, 2017 WWJWMTD by David Hauser & Steve the son of John

Becoming a Provocateur in Christ

(A July 4th message…walking in step with America’s Fathers)

On July 4, 1776, thirteen colonies claimed their independence from England, which then led to the creation of the United States. The conflict had been going on for over a year before the Founding Father drafted the Declaration of Independence. There were many reasons for the revolt against England, the most common being ‘taxation without representation’. Because of this and other issues Provocateurs arose in America that led to our independence. Today, the Christian Church is in need of Provocateurs. It is time to become provocateurs.

A general definition of ‘provocateur’ is: a person who deliberately behaves controversially in order to provoke a strong reaction; ideas that are threatening to accepted values or practices. Its synonyms are: partisan, an advocate, and a catalyst. It is within these synonyms that I define myself as a Provocateur. I find myself a partisan, an advocate, and I hope a catalyst for God’s will and the Body of Christ today.

The Scripture says in Ephesians 6:12 & 13, "We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and spiritual darkness in high places." If this is true, why are we so often caught up in the first part of this verse dealing with flesh and blood, and not the second part, which we are called too? In Hebrews 10:19-23 the writer moves from what belongs in the life of an individual, to the life of members of a community. It addresses provocations that do not produce brotherly love.

I am a Provocateur in the sense that I want to stimulate others to good works, and in turn, others will stimulate me to do good works. So how do we, as provocateurs, stir each other to a more vigorous and abundant exercise of love and the practice of good works?

The original meaning of ‘provoke’ is, not to offend, to incense, or to irritate but to arouse, to excite, to call into action; the Greek work is ‘paroxusmon’, meaning excitement or impulse. The idea is that God wants us to endeavor to arouse or excite each other to "manifestations of love." If this is one of the main purposes of the Spirit, which the Lord is speaking to me on this subject, then let us all be open for something more from God on this subject of “provoking each other to do good works.”

I have found it helpful to pray the following verse. Psalms 19:12 "Who can discern his own errors, keep me from secret faults.” I pray this prayer over my life often. May God help all of us to hear with clarity what God is saying in every situation.

I pray, no we must pray, this prayer, “God, let me be led by your Spirit. A person who is a provocateur that promotes good works in others. A person who manifests your love through the excitement of serving you and showing others how to produce good works—works of righteousness for the world to see.”

I endeavor to do good works and begin by doing random deeds of kindness to strangers and giving to those in need—to the homeless, as well as, ‘checking in’ on my friends to see if they need my help or words of encouragement. I avoid quick and hurtful judgmental words—I do not consider myself better than those in need. I forgive freely and resist resentment or jealous attitudes in order to offer a helping hand to my brethren who stumble often in their walk with the Lord.

I do all of this willingly and with joy. I trust that, which is good in me because of Christ, will multiply and spread through my Christian family creating unity in the Spirit…this is my purpose, to be a provocateur.

WWJWMTD

What would Jesus want me to do?

Dr. Steven J. Wentland www.wwjwmtd.com

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