EPCSA Phelindaba

Reposition your self … you are an agent of change

Introduction.

One day a farmer's donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally, he decided the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway; it just wasn't worth it to retrieve the donkey. He invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly.
Then, to everyone's amazement he quieted down.

A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well.
He was astonished at what he saw. With each shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing. He would shake it off and take a step up.
As the farmer's neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up.
Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and happily trotted off!

Like the donkey in this story, come what may in our lives, as Christians, we should always take it upon ourselves to ensure that we are in a better position than before. We must do away with the negatives and focus on the positives and take advantage of our situations. I notice that the church is full of young men and women who have vision in life. It is not always easier to reach for your dreams. It calls for discipline and dedication. Like the donkey, we must take our every day experiences and situations as a learning step.

God has a purpose with our lives. We are duty bound to serve when we are in this world. If we are not serving him as we are supposed to, we need to reconsider, and change. I have titled today’s sermon “Reposition your self … you are an agent of change”. My sermon is about change, not a shift in attitude or behaviour. A shift is temporary and there is a high probability that you may easily revert to the old ways. But change is permanent. It requires soul searching, taking an informed decision, and commitment.

John 3:16-17
Exodus 33:12-20

Today’s sermon is two pronged. It serves as a mirror so that we can reflect on our life and ways to see if we are where God want us to be. And if we find that we are not in that position, readjust and position ourselves correctly. The second part is to empower ourselves so that we can pursue a life which attract people to Christ.

I therefore believe that God will assist me in this sermon to, on one hand show you the way to follow if you want to see the kingdom of God, thus the focus on change, and on the other hand prepare you to implement these changes so that you are not only changed, but you work as an agent of change.

Change
There are so many idiomatic expressions in the English language that speaks of change. One says a wise man changes his mind, and lazy and indecisive people extend it to say a wise man always changes his mind. Be afraid of such men who always change their minds because they do not have a position which they stand on in life. Need I remind you of the saying which goes that if you do not stand for anything, you will fall for everything. Such men who always change their minds about things in most cases do not honor their promises (liars). Sometimes they say things they do not mean. They will promise you heaven and leave you at the hell doors. You will never see the wedding ring. Unlike men, when God speaks it is always true. He does not change as situations change. It is for such reason that I encourage mankind to take a position in life.

Change is pain, another saying goes. But equally important, they say no pain, no gain. So, it implies in life, we need to go through some pain for us to succeed. There are a lot of temptations out there which are nice and easier to achieve. However, for us to see the kingdom of God, we need to forsake the world’s niceties so that we are ready when the Son comes for us. Note that at most, if you sit on your laurels, you loss out at the possibilities out there.

Change, like time, will never be static. Change is a constant which we need to leave with. We need to embrace it. Change comes through voluntary or involuntary, intentional or unintentional factors. The universe in which we live and depend upon is always changing. It is through natural changes that we grow old (and some wise). In essence, we cannot avoid change. However, sometimes we change because of peer and societal pressures. We loss focus because we imitate others, and at a worst case scenario, we mimic, imitate and idolize them. Recommended change should be an informed and purposeful one. Where we know what we want to be, and how to get there. Where we take steps to be different to others and of influence in life. Where we go out to the world to change it, not to be changed. To spread the gospel and be shining examples.

The lesson then is that we need to know where we stand. We need to change if we are not in good standing with the Lord. Not to shift around.

Characteristics of change agents
The second part looks at us as agents of change in our families, society, work, church and the country. There are several factors that defines a change agent:

Firstly, a change agent has a vision and shares it with others. He/she knows where s/he is going and take steps to achieve that. S/he does not only have a vision but always shares the vision with other people. So, if you stay around such people, they influence you to the good cause they are following. I hope and believe that each one of us here has a vision. Remember, as a brand, we need to know you for something. Ladies, do not say “yes” until your suit tells you of where he is taking you in life. The same applies to men, firstly study what you are getting before you put that sacred ring.
The same to church, I believe you came to this church because it is a servant church. You share the vision to be of service to mankind.

Secondly, a change agent understands oneself, understand others and assist others to understand themselves. To get to such state you need to be a balanced-person who takes time every day to reflect on life: successes, failures and device strategies to optimize the situation. It is simple to see them because their daily schedule reflects that. They live a balanced life that takes good care in the maintenance of their body and soul. They go to gym, they read the bible, they spend quality time with families and friends, they pray for themselves and others.

Such people understand what others want in life and it becomes simpler for them to influence others to understand themselves. Matthews 5:16 “in the same way your light must shine before people, so that that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven”.

Thirdly, and linked to the above point, a change agent changes peoples beliefs and behaviour. His/her primary objective is to better people’s lifes. Our duty as Christians is to look for the lost souls and bring them to the house of the Lord for salvation.

We can not succeed in bringing other people to the church without us showing true commitment and passion. The underlying factors here should be commitment and passion in whatever we do. When we are zealous in whatever we do, people will follow. We must not forget that the more active we are in the church, the more satan blocks our way. We need pray and persistence to succeed.

A change agent is self-motivated and motivates others. Such people know that the bible contains a lot of stories which can motivate us in every situation we find ourselves in. In times of joy or sadness, in times of birth or grieve and sorrow, in times of deliverance or despair, in times of accomplishment or lost hope, in times of jubilations or temptations, in times of success or broken promises.

They motivate you to stay on the race. Such people are the first to come to you when troubles have befallen you to give you hope.

Lastly, a change agent accept and knows his responsibility in the church. He knows the responsibility of the church and ensures that the church reaches out to the needy, those with broken hearts, and those whose spirits are low. He/she knows that our church evangelises. When you read Jonah chapter 3:9, Jonah says “but I will sing praises to you, I will offer you a sacrifice and do what I have promised”. Each one of us has a duty here. We need to exercise our duties, and pay is abundant in the house of my Lord. It is our duty to unite the EPCSA. This beautiful church has a responsibility which we need to fulfil: healing, singing, praying. There are so many broken souls here and in the world. The church can not fulfil its mission on earth if we do not unite it.

Examples of change agents in the Bible
Agents of change could be at a level of an individual, group or institution. There are so many good examples in the bible of individuals who we can consider as agents of change.

Individuals

John the Baptist came to prepare the way for, and baptise Jesus Christ. Through him, the world saw the light. Jesus could be considered a change agent. He had, and will always have a particular task to perform, which is to ensure that the world is cleansed of all sin. In John 1: 29, John the Baptist says “behold, the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world”. It is through him that we can see light, and eventually the kingdom of God. Our loving Father sent to us his begotten son to die in Calvary for our salvation.

Joshua took an informed decision to follow and serve the Lord. He told the Israelites that “choose you this day whom you will serve; . . . but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" (Joshua 24:15) . Through his actions, many people understood the power of our Lord.

Groups
Groups also played an important role. Moses and Aaron dutifully led their people to Canaan. From all the deeds of the disciples, I will only sight Philip. In Act 8:37, after Philip has reveled to an Ethiopian official the text he was reading, the official said “here is some water. What is to keep me from being baptised”.
(Song Xikwembu xi na makungu, loko xi vona tiko ri lova, …)

How can you be a change agent?

Give your utmost to God and the service of mankind
We learn a very important lesson from Joshua. His dedication to servicehood was informed by the choices his parents and grandparent took. A lesson for us is that we must always be exemplary so that our families and all mankind can follow them.

Communicate the word
Communicate the good that happens around you. When your church does brilliant stuff, spread it. Yesterday we had a Men’s Head Day. What a good exercise. I know few presbyteries do the same, but we need all of them to do the same. And it is hope that Women are taking notes. It is in and through these events that we learn the secrets of life.

We have a website. It needs to be updated regularly. We need people to do that. You will be amazed by the number of hits we get, even from far away places. They e-mail us.

We need to take advantage of technological advancements. What stops you from having your blogs and chatrooms. Facebook is changing the way we communicate drastically.

Follow your dream and realise your purpose.
I believe that everyone of us here has a purpose to fulfill in life. The purpose could be hidden somewhere, and it needs you to act to realise it. Always strive to realise your purpose. You will never know how many people you will influence as you try to reach your goals. Moreover, you mighty find that by fulfilling your dream, you indirectly assist other mankind. If you manage to establish a company and hire staff, you directly impact on the people you hire and buy from, as well as indirectly impact on those who appreciate your success and those who reap benefits because their parents work in your company.

You will never know, as you strive to fulfill the requirements to be in heaven, you ask friends to come with you to church. By doing so, you might find that you have saved a soul.
Make prayer your habit. I know in some jobs, when you arrive in the morning you clock in, when you leave you clock out. In every thing you do, report it in prayer. Can we make that our habit that in the morning we tell our God in Prayer that we are reporting for duty. We thank him for all things he does for us. The three by three course meal we take. Every little thing. We should ask and thank in prayer and deeds.

Walk in the light. Proverbs 28:13 He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.

Conclusion.
As we conclude, I want to summarise the sermon and say reflect on your life and ensure that you are in right standing. Also be the change you want to see in your family, church, workplace and society. Remember that a journey of thousand miles starts with just one step. You have taken a good step in the right direction by attending this service. Even if you cannot see the complete road ahead, faith will carry you through.

Need I remind you of a story about a couple who moved in to a new neighbourhood. The following morning when they were having breakfast, their neighbour hanged her clothes. “She does not know how to wash clean her cloth”, the wife would say. “Maybe is the soap she uses”. The husband would remain silent. One day the woman realised that the clothes were clean and she said maybe someone has taught her how to wash. The husband said “I woke up this morning and cleaned the windows”.

Lets take time to reflect on our lives. Lets assist our brothers and sisters in their endeavours to be of service to our church and mankind.

In Jeremiah 32: 40-41: God says, I will make an everlasting covenant with them, I will never stop doing good to them, and I will inspire them to fear me, so that they will never turn away from me. I will rejoice in doing them good and will assuredly plant them in this land with all my heart and soul.

It is these words that encourage us that whatever we do, we have God in our side.

I want to leave you with special words of encouragement taken from Isaiah 41:
9 I took you from the ends of the earth,
from its farthest corners I called you.
I said, 'You are my servant';
I have chosen you and have not rejected you.
10 So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.