Are You Vital?
The quote from Jordan Peterson's 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos serves as a provocative catalyst for reflection on the essence of vitality in our Christian life and ministry. Peterson, though not a professing Christian, touches on a truth that resonates deeply with Christian doctrine: the importance of genuine contribution.
In Chapter 8, Peterson challenges the notion of passivity by asserting, “Someone hiding is not someone vital. Vitality requires original contribution.” This statement is particularly poignant when considered in the context of Christian ministry. As followers of Christ, we are entrusted with the Great Commission, a calling that necessitates active, energetic, and original participation in the world. This is far more than mere attendance; it's a call to be fundamentally involved in the transformative work of the Gospel.
However, a troubling observation within many Christian communities as well as in the professional workforce, including those overseas focused on church planting, is the prevalence of what I term 'perception camouflage.'
This phenomenon describes individuals who create an illusion of busyness and engagement, yet their abrupt absence would not alter the course of their ministry or impact their community. Such behavior is not only counterproductive but spiritually detrimental. It reflects a deeper issue of mission drift, a term used to describe the gradual shift away from an organization’s original purpose and values. This drift often begins subtly, with individuals who prioritize appearances over substance, slowly eroding the foundational principles of their mission.
Apathy and misuse of the trust placed on us by our fellow believers and supporters exacerbate the risk of mission drift. Therefore, it’s imperative to confront these challenges with intentional self-reflection and brutal honesty.
Let’s ask ourselves, “Am I vital?”. This is not an exercise in self-aggrandizement or a metric to earn divine favor. Rather, it is a soul-searching question meant to ignite a commitment to meaningful engagement in our responsibilities.
This inquiry should not lead us to strive out of a sense of earning merit before God—as our salvation and worth are secure in Christ—but should spur us to avoid the complacency that undermines our calling. Being 'vital' means contributing in ways that are authentically impactful, fostering growth within our ministries, and living out a faith that actively transforms society.
As Christians, we are called not only to follow but to lead by example, challenging both ourselves and our communities to live out the fullness of our callings.
Are we merely occupying space, or are we making a discernible difference in our spheres of influence? Let us strive to be vital, original contributors in our ministries, reflecting the Gospel's transformative power in every action we undertake.
To be vital is to be authentic.
If you are not “vital” in your sphere of engagement as a Christian, you are buying into the lie that you are not necessary to represent Christ as His ambassador and will merely coexist with non-believers and always find a way to justify not sharing the Gospel in no uncertain terms.
They can’t defend this position in Scripture. They have to go outside Scripture and rely on earthly, cultural excuses to deny sharing the Gospel.
How, then, can they call on him they have not believed in?
And how can they believe without hearing about him?
And how can they hear without a preacher?
And how can they preach unless they are sent?
As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.
-Romans 10:14-15 CSB
Paul stresses the importance of going where Christ’s lordship isn’t evident and sharing the message of salvation, as well as the symbiotic importance of actually SAYING the Gospel besides being sent by the body of Christ.
Our words are vital.
Our being sent is vital.
Out efforts are vital.
Because it is vital that people whom God has chosen to come into His kingdom hear His message.