This is part two of a two-part study guide which complements the AEUNA Rebuilding Project and focuses on the unity and commitment needed to rebuild what is broken
The Armenian Evangelical Church founders, empowered by the Holy Spirit, had clear direction. They were purpose-driven. They could not be deterred by sword, fire, or threats. They knew what they were building, and remained faithful to their heavenly calling.
Nehemiah is an Old Testament example of a leader finding and setting clear direction. Others around him were in maintenance mode in a foreign land, overwhelmed by the destruction of their city. But Nehemiah had vision.
Vision creates UNITY. A solitary vision has no power to unite; a God-given vision shared with others convinces, inspires, and makes an impact.
Vision creates MOTIVATION. The world is motivated by ego and selfish desires. The secret of our motivation is God’s love, and demonstrating His love in action assures us of success. We are motivated when our Mind, Heart, and Will are committed to the vision God has given us.
Full commitment must involve the Mind, Heart, and Will. They may not become involved all at once, but their unity in true commitment is essential. If we are going to get the AEUNA Rebuilding Project implemented, meeting is not enough: we need to dream, cry about it, pray about it.
MIND: Nehemiah served in the palace with the king, but his mind was with his people in Jerusalem. When Jesus repeated the great commandment, to love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind, he counted the mind as a necessary part of the commitment. The mind helps us make the right decisions. Nehemiah pondered in his mind.
HEART: We need to feel the reality of that which the mind analyzes. The heart loves, it rejoices, grieves, desires, it discerns right from wrong, it turns to God, it trusts in God. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart,” (Prov 3:5). Nehemiah transferred the rebuilding vision in humility and with a servant heart, to the king, then to Jerusalem as a servant of his people in order to build the walls together.
The time has come for the union to transfer a rebuilding vision from paper to people, from planning to planting, from proclaiming to participating, from cheerleading to cheer giving and cheer building, from words into actions! Prayerfully prepare to play a part in this vision!
WILL: “And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands.” 2 John 1:6. Obedience flows from the heart. Nehemiah obeyed God and then took action; he surrendered his will to God's will. As we begin our Rebuilding Project, let not our will but God’s will be done.
Mind, Heart, Will - these aspects of the whole person are inseparable and essential for a Christ-centered rebuilding commitment. The mind is the seat of intellect and knowledge; the heart is the seat of belief and affection; the will is the seat of decision and obedience. All three must be nourished by the Word, strengthened by the Holy Spirit, and purified through our relationship with God.
Let us focus our minds, hearts, and will, empowered by God’s love, on rebuilding for the glory of God.