We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one. 1John 5:19
And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force. Matthew 11:12
You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 1John 4:4
Every manmade system – every system of government, business, education, and, yes, religion – operates contrary to the ways and thoughts of God. It is impossible for anyone to live a godly life and not be persecuted (2Timothy 3:12). Why? Because the holiness of God stands in stark contrast to the ways, thoughts and philosophies of carnal man (Romans 8:5-8). This is the environment to which Marketplace Leaders are called to let their light – the life of Christ – shine before men.
Approximately 2000 years ago, Christ came to establish His Kingdom. “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:15) He commissioned His followers to make disciples – taking the Kingdom by force. In opposition, the world has sought to prevent the restoration of the creation to its Creator. More than any other time in our history, the systems of man are doing their utmost to shut out the voice of truth – and the Life that is the Truth.
In the midst of opposition, God does not retreat. In fact, He has raised up an expeditionary force to meet the enemies of His Kingdom head on. This is the promise of Marketplace Ministry. God is raising up an army of Marketplace Leaders as transformation agents and disciple makers that will impact their communities in many incredible ways. Marketplace Leaders are, after all, the most influential members for the church of our Lord Jesus Christ in this season of desperate need.
So what is a Marketplace Leader to do? How can they stand up against the policies and procedures, the rules and laws, which are being used to choke out their light? I want to suggest a few things:
- Allow the Lord to make you (Mark 1:17); and the Spirit of God to transform you (2Corinthians 3:18).
- Consider Matthew 10:16-34. This is the truth of our day.
- Deal with your fears. Behind every fear, there is a lie. Deal with the lie, and the fear will fly. (2Timothy 1:7)
- Begin each day with commitment to live it for Eternity – and its hope of glory. (Romans 8:18)
- Love the LORD with all your heart, mind, soul and strength. (Luke 10:27)
- Regularly reckon in your heart that God is sovereign, He loves you, and He has a plan for you. (Psalm 139)
- Be of good courage (Joshua 1:9); fight the good fight, finish the race, keep the faith (2Timothy 4:7).
- Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might; put on the whole armor of God. (Ephesians 6:10-11)
- Encourage one another. (Colossians 2:1-3)
I could go on, but you get the idea. The Word of God is a great encouragement; and we should use it to encourage one another. Christian Leaders in the Marketplace will not survive without taking a heavy dose of truth each and every day. An early morning meeting with God is more important than any meeting you will have all day. Take the truth you receive into the Marketplace. With it, you will be a force for the Kingdom of God!
God bless you with power and grace as witnesses of His Son’s sacrifice and resurrection.
Have a strong day in the Lord,
Rob