John 17:13-19, Matthew 28:18-20

Shelley du Plessis on recognising who we are in Christ and bringing His change around us.

Shelley du Plessis

Any ardent sports fan would be able to confirm that, at some stage during an arduous match, a wise coach sends on a replacement player. This is a player who has energy, insight and understanding of the match, as he has observed the game from the side lines.

Often, as a result of his arrival on the field, the sports team receives a boost of courage and determination and they go on to win the match.

This player is referred to as a game changer, the one factor that changes an existing situation in a significant way.

Today, as one glances around the globe, it is evident that the citizens of the world are in the process of coughing and spluttering, tired and being forced to their knees by the sheer weight of the atrocities faced on a daily basis. They are desperately in need of a break in order to catch their collective breath.

There is hope! There are game changers, figuratively sitting anxiously on the side-lines, waiting to enter the game of life.

Game Changers, because of an encounter with Christ, have become renewed in their spirit and it is Christ who rules and reigns in their lives. Their top priority is to become more like Christ in every situation or encounter because that is His top priority. I gave them your word...Truth lives in their heart and they live in Christ, not in their circumstances. Becoming more like Jesus is the Game that Changes everything.

Game Changers are not defined by society or circumstances. They are no more defined by the world than I am defined by the world...They make decisions from their identity in Christ not their circumstances.

Game changers have the ability to assess who God is in any particular situation they are facing, without the need to ask, "Where is God in this situation?" or "Why did God allow this to happen?" Many people engage God through their circumstances and want Him to change their circumstances to become something different, instead of allowing the situation to grow them in Christ.

Make them holy-consecrated-with the truth; Your word is consecrating truth...As God followers, we have, each one, been set aside for His purpose and commissioned to be His representatives on earth. He has entrusted to us to bring the message of life, light and hope through Jesus to this ailing globe.

As in the fictional world of James Bond who is in Her Majesty's secret service, we have been commissioned and mandated for service of His Majesty in every sphere of society, to be the agent of change. Bringing peace, truth, calm, adding value, establishing confidence, through our influence, transforming lives and places.

In the same way that you gave me a mission in the world, I give them a mission in the world. I'm consecrating myself for their sakes. So they'll be truth-consecrated in their mission...Game changers through knowledge of and relationship with, have been co-missioned by the great I AM. That Great Commission hasn't been altered or negated or watered down in over 2000 years. It still stands today in all the authority of its original intent.

Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: "God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I'll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age."

Wherever, you go today Christ follower, understand this; you are commissioned, you are the change agent needed for this game of life, you are a bearer of the truth and peace that everyone or situation needs. Be perceptive and alert. In every situation you face, keep in mind, God hasn't changed and nothing is too hard for Him. What promise fits this circumstance? Then activate it.

*With grateful thanks to Graham Cooke for the initial inspiration.*