What do you say to someone who has done something good?
“Thank you” and “well done” may both be appropriate. But if you stop there you have missed a golden opportunity.
When Paul wrote to the Philippians he thanked them for their partnership in the gospel (e.g. 1:3 and 4:14) but he went further. He urged them to look forwards. He wrote that he is “confident… that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (1:6). He prayed that “your love may abound more and more ” (1:9). And he wrote of “forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, pressing on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (3:13-14).
As part of CRU’s mission we seek “to train young Christians for a life of servant leadership.” One who serves doesn’t dwell on the past, but seeks new opportunities to use the gifts that have been entrusted to them to bless others. Their identity is not found in awards but in Christ, who humbled Himself to serve. Humility sparks service. And service brings God glory.
In the words sung at the CRU Lake Mac Thanksgiving Service,
“Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise. Thou mine inheritance now and always. Thou and thou only, the first in my heart High King of Heaven my treasure thou art.”
Those who were at Lake Mac that day were reminded that the redevelopment work at the site was not an end, but a beginning. It marks the beginning of a new season of mission, with a new site providing a new platform on which to grow the ministry.
As we engage in this ministry we look forward to Jesus’ return, confident in His promises. Onwards.