Indigenous Sustainability

A core ministry value that I've adopted (courtesy of my old friend Rick Gray) is to encourage "Indigenous Sustainability". These are pretty big words that convey a rather simple and important concept. Indigenous is defined as "innate; inherent; natural", usually referring to characteristics that are native to a particular area. Sustainability is defined as "the ability to keep from give way as under trial or affliction" (source dictionary.com). Indigenous sustainability means having natural ability to move forward in spite of difficulties or obstacles. Or to borrow an old slogan, it means "Keep on keeping on."

We all know how the fallen world we live in makes it hard to keep on keeping on. Yet as servant leaders in our homes, we must strive towards indigenous sustainability because too much is riding on it. Our wives, our children, our friends and our co-workers depend on us. How much more do we reflect God's glory when we push on through difficulties; all the while praising Him for his mercy and goodness. Never forget the importance of encouraging a fellow brother in Christ to continue to press on to win the prize which God has called for us.

Remember this awesome promise from the source of our strength: "The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Isaiah 40:28-31)

The Apostle Paul endured great persecution and difficulty in spreading the Gospel, yet notice his words in 2 Timothy 4:7-8: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing."

Keep on keeping on!