Equipment

What equipment do you need daily to do your job? What equipment do you need daily to be a parent, a husband, a wife, or whatever role you have each day? It could be many things from tools, to writing utensils, to cookware, and probably anything else you can think of. However, to have a relationship with God, to bring community to others, and a knowledge of God to others what do we need as far as equipment? Do we need a fancy stage with all the knowledge that our pastor had on Sunday morning? Do we need a power point with wonderful music and a comfortable place for people to sit? Do we need a study guide to follow with coffee and doughnuts to make people feel comfortable? I know this is the way we do it most times in our need to be comfortable, but do we really need all this equipment to let people know and understand God?

Jesus called the Twelve to him, and sent them out in pairs. He gave them authority and power to deal with the evil opposition. He sent them off with these instructions:
"Don't think you need a lot of extra equipment for this. You are the equipment. No special appeals for funds. Keep it simple.
"And no luxury inns. Get a modest place and be content there until you leave.
"If you're not welcomed, not listened to, quietly withdraw. Don't make a scene. Shrug your shoulders and be on your way."
Then they were on the road. They preached with joyful urgency that life can be radically different; right and left they sent the demons packing; they brought wellness to the sick, anointing their bodies, healing their spirits.

Mark 6:7-13

Jesus tells his disciples that they do not need extra equipment for this, they are the equipment. Do we realize that we are the equipment? People are desperately looking to make connection with something real and authentic, sometimes equipment just gets in the way. If we are the equipment are we well maintained and ready to be used? The inner change we have made in our lives will determine how effective we will be as equipment for God's use. If do not practice kindness and love towards ourselves how could we ever give that away to others? If people cannot see that then how can they ever understand who God is? Realize that you are the only equipment God needs. Open your spirit up to change and to the inner life of peace Jesus has called us to. Maintain your equipment daily. Make sure it is full of the life of God and the mind of Christ. This is not so you can show yourself holy or perfect, but so you can show God as loving and kind. Be honest with failures, avoid judgment, and give kindness to all you meet. Walk in humbleness.

Namaste'