"I Do!"

In our Sunday School class, we are reading a wonderful book by John Ortberg entitled, “If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat.” It is a wonderful book and is causing us to think and talk about the spiritual boats in which all of us live, but also the ways in which we are called to get out of the boat and begin to serve God.

The premise of the book is the story from the Gospel of Matthew in which the writer recounts Jesus walking on water. In the midst of that story, Peter, the bombastic and often impetuous disciple is invited to come out of the boat. Jesus simply says, “Come,” and he comes.

Now we could go in so many different directions about how it all happened, what happened when Peter stepped out. We could talk about the storm, what led them to that place, and all other sorts of wonderful things. But what has really gotten me thinking is one simple word that relates not only to the book, but also to our lives as disciples.

One word has me thinking a lot these days, and that word is Engagement. No, I’m not talking about a betrothal or an agreement between a man and a woman that will lead to marriage. I’m talking about that which causes us to participate.

In order to further grapple with the word, I went to my standard – I looked up the word. Engagement means, to attract and to hold by influence. It can mean to move into gear or even to interlock. Engage means to hold the attention of and can also mean to promise or pledge to participate. Engage can also mean to respond.

One of those definitions makes me think about engaging a science fiction engine gear called “light speed.” Or you could also think about engaging or changing a gear on a bicycle. However the definition that really causes me to think – dare I say engage – is to attract attention or hold by influence.

Peter was engaged because of a simple invitation. But the invitation was not enough to get him out of the boat – there was something else.

I have been thinking a lot about the word “engagement” recently and even asking the question, “What causes people to be engaged?” I guess the converse of that might be, “What causes people to disengage, or simple not engage?”

I suggested on Sunday that “Greenhorns” on the Deadliest Catch engage, even in spite of the risk, because of the reward or the benefit that they receive at the end of a catch. Some people engage due to a passion that drives them. Some people engage due to the personality of the one asking the question. And yet, others simply do not move into gear, pledge to participate, or become attracted regardless of the message or reward.

What gets you engaged? What gets your blood boiling? What causes you to respond, participate, lock into gear, move forward, and become captivated? What is it that will make you get out of the boat?

Jesus simply said, Come. Peter engaged.

This week, we are concluding our series on Discovery Church with a message entitled “Dirty Jobs.” It is not only one of my favorite shows on Discovery, but it is a message that I am looking forward to sharing. I hope that you will engage in worship with us this week.

Please pray for me, and know that I am praying for you.
Greg

P.S. You are allowed to engage in conversation. Tell me what you think, how you are, and what causes you to become engaged?