Jeff Adams

Do you ever feel overwhelmed? I sure do! This week has been a flurry of activity in different directions, but all about God’s kingdom. Tuesday, I was with Brad and his folks in Princeton. Wednesday, united by a common human influence, I had the chance to spend some time with Jim O’Neill of CrossWorld.Today, we had a sweet time getting to know the new missionary candidates at Christar here in Reading, PA.

When I think of all the many people, the ideas, the different missions, the many groups of people that need the light of Jesus Christ, the theories, techniques and methodologies to reach them, the many personalities involved and … I could go on and on. Add to that the fact that I know of only a small fraction of the groups, missions, organization, churches and people who are faithfully serving God around the globe. Sometimes it gets very overwhelming.It all makes me feel very small and insignificant.

So many books have been written and come off the press each year. There are countless seminars, workshops and the like to train those who are busy serving. I have concluded it is simply impossible to keep up with all of them. I am not complaining about this vast body of material — I write books and offer workshops and conferences myself! There is no way I can keep up with the latest and greatest book. I do what I can and am grateful for the good books and ideas God brings my way. There is, however, much I never get to read and much that I don’t even know exists.

I often see folks who run to try and keep up with the latest and greatest. At any moment the spotlight shines bright on the latest superstar of Christendom, someone who has build the biggest, best and most beautiful version of church or mission or whatever. They have taken Church v.4.08 and just released Church v.5.0 that promises to fix all the bugs and be totally user-friendly. The next step, of course, is to write the book and hold the conference. They will come! So many people are desperate to replicate the success of others.

Sometimes this is good. There are many people who have much to share. Their life experience and knowledge need to be available to others. Iron sharpens iron. We need each other. Sometimes, though, we get caught up in the “me too!” game. Instead or cultivating our walk with God and discovering the riches and wonder of who he made each of us to be, we blindly and indiscriminately try to copy the latest technique or trend.

In moments when I am drowning in the overwhelming flood of hype. propaganda, consumer-driven Christianity and trendy excess, I find refuge in the wisdom and confidence of Paul.

But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. 1Corinthians 15:10

Paul didn’t have to follow the latest trends and fads. He knew who God made him to be and it was all due to God’s grace. Paul didn’t seem to have much time or patience to say, “me too!” He simply said,”follow me.”

Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. 1Corinthians 11:1