Revolutionary Leaders

Becoming a Revolutionary Part 2

So, have you been thinking about going public in this revolution? Remeber, it's a three phase "coming out" party - verbally, physically, and spiritually. If you've taken the opportunity to go public with your faith in this revolution, then it's time for you to consider the next part of becoming a revolutionary...

2. Be the Best Man!
Here is what John says in chapter 3:29 (The Message).
"The one who gets the bride, is by definition, the bridegroom. And the brindegrooms friend, his best man - that's me - in place at his side where he can hear every word, is genuinely happy. How could he be jealous when he knows that the wedding is finished and the marriage is off to a good start? That's why my cup is running over."

As my wedding approached, I can remember choosing my groomsmen. The hard part though, was picking which of those guys could handle being my "best man". They were all still in college. They all had various distractions such as girlfriends, jobs, bills, and their own personal issues. They all knew me very well - some longer than others. The question I needed to answer before choosing was, who would be the BEST groomsman - the "best man"? Who could I count on to make sure that all the little details would be taken care of so that I could enjoy my wedding day? I chose John Jackson, and he really was the best!

John took care of the tux fittings, part of the rehersal night, the rings, and of course the bachelor party. There were some key things that John had to do in order to handle those details to my satisfaction - key things that we can learn from as well when engaged in this revoltuion.

A. Communication
For John to even know what details I needed him to take care of, we had to talk - communicate. I had to share with him what my wife and I were expecting as well as our likes and dislikes. This information gave him creative feedom to help make our special day unforgetable. John had to know us in order to know what would please us.

This is an imperative key for us as well. If we are striving in this revolution to be our best - his best man/woman - we need to know Him. Getting to know and understand Christ comes only through communication - prayer, studing His Word, worship. As we get to know Him we will see what He expects, what He likes, and what He hates. We'll learn how to please Him and prepare for His wedding day.

B. Fellowship
One of the greatest things about a wedding is having your friends and family around you to celebrate your new beginning - your new life. It just wouldn't be the same without them. Unfortunately, we were not able to have Chrissy's parents with us at our wedding. They were greatly missed and it really effected my wife.

One of our greatest assest in this revolution is the fellowship - the power of community. Check out these scriptures and see how vital it was to the early church - Acts 2:42-47; 4:24, 31-51; 5:40-42). Fellowship provides for encouragement, corporate prayer, sharing of gifts, friendship, and strength in numbers. I feel that the most powerful aspect of this fellowship is that it intrigues others to want to join in the celebration. Come on, how many times have you seen a good party going on and wished you were a part of it?

C. Be Happy
Weddings are happy and exciting occasions! It's all about attitude and it's your choice. John could have been jealous and wished it were him getting married (he got married the following spring). He could have neglected his duties as best man and made it difficult for me. Thank God he didn't. Instead, John chose to be happy for us. Thank God he realized that it wasn't about HIM.

Life isn't really about us either. It's not about me. It's about Him and his wedding day - the day he returns for His Bride, the Church. In preparing for this special day, things will not always go according to our plan. At times, things may even appear disheartning and upsetting. In those moments, we have a choice to make. As a revolutionary I must choose to be happy even if I don't like the circumstances. Why? Because the day is not about me.