Choose one word to be your theme for the year.
This seemingly simple challenge, from Amy in her recent blog, sent my mind off in search of a word to describe my hopes and passions for this year.
I reflected on my recent past. Pondered my responsibilities at work and home. Glanced the books stacked on my desk. Considered the labors that bring joy to my heart.
I arrived at my word: SENT
I want to live as a sent person this year. The verb gives a sense of motion; but it is purposeful motion. Furthermore, being sent implies a sender.
Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”
(John 20:21)
Defining SENT
Sent is used 79 times in the New Testament. It means to be dispatched, transmitted, permitted to go.
As Jesus was to his disciples in 1st century Jerusalem, he remains our model today. We are sent to spread the gospel message in word and in deed: rescue the oppressed, feed the hungry, care for the orphan, seek justice, build the church, love, teach, pray, find the lost sheep, heal, baptize, and above all else, bring honor to God.
Jesus commissioned and sent the disciples to grow the church, to go and do His work upon the earth. The church was his new plan to growth His Kingdom beyond the prophets, kings, and nation of Israel. He breathed the Holy Spirit into the disciples’ lives to give guidance, power, knowledge, and authority. We have this same Holy Spirit today!
Each morning as I step out of my bed and journey through my day, I will seek to maintain the attitude of being sent to serve and carry out Christ’s mission.
How honorable is the Christian calling! How noble the Christian aim!
How sacred the Christian fellowship! How bright the Christian hope!
~J. R. Thomson (The Pulpit Commentary)
Your Turn
What is your word?
To help find your word, consider these questions:
1) What did last year bring?
2) What are you doing today? This week?
3) What do you long to do if you had the time and financial resources?
Please share your word! Let’s one-word-journey together.
Posted by Sharon R. Hoover
Stick Guy Photo Credit: TheAlieness GiselaGiardino²³ via photopin cc
Thinking Photo Credit: karola riegler photography via photopin cc
What a wonderful thought-provoking exercise you have set us. All of these words tie together some aspect of faith.
Hi Susan! All credit goes to Amy and her article. She too got me pondering this question. :-)
Love this Sharon. Living sent is such a great word to have at the forefront of our minds. My word is “Be” and in that, I hope I can live “being” as though I’ve been sent.
Great word, Suzie! We can all learn so much by “being.” I tend to get caught up in the “doing” without valuing the presence of being. Thanks, Suzie!
My word is listen. I have found that the basis for all relationships is listening to the other to truly focus on them and not me. So it is with the best of all relationships – with Him. Even though my tendency is to rush to act, I pray that before I rush into any action of my own that I listen to accord my action to His.
“BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD” is the call to listen and realize that the best that I can be is a active reflection of Him.
Listen is such an excellent word. It precedes, walking ..
I echo Susan! “Listen” does indeed precede all else. We do need to listen to one another and to the Lord. Thanks for adding to the conversation, Ron!
Reblogged this on religioushistoricalresearch and commented:
Thought provoking. Great exercise.
My word would have to be ‘WALK’. Walk in the truth, walk worthy. Don’t sit and be idle… walk.
Love your word, Susan! “Walk” has such a serene sense about it… one that conveys contentment as you move forward. Thanks for sharing!