The Journey 199: Transformation in my church (Rev. Dr. Joe Joseph Kuruvilla)

Read: Acts 26

Late Monday, the world heard the news that the well known author, writer and motivational speaker, Stephen Covey is no more. He died at a hospital in Idaho Falls, after injuring himself in a bicycle accident late April. Stephen Covey, 79, is well known for his world famous book "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" which sold more than 20 million copies in more than 38 languages. What was unique about the book was the systemic understanding that he brought to the concept of productivity both in professional and personal life. From Seven Habits, Covey moved to writing " The Eighth Habit", which was moving from effectiveness to greatness. He also authored some other best sellers, like "First Things First," ''Principle-Centered Leadership," and ''The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families. I have read all his books and have personally been benefitted by the books that he wrote. What attracted me to Covey and his writing and his ideas was that his approach to life was systemic. Which means happiness, meaning in life is all related not only on the way one works but also one connects to others and also the way one contributes to society. What was striking about his ideas was that he stressed more on "Effectiveness" than “Success” in life. This is something that is very essential and important in every aspect of ones life. Secondly when he moved from seven habits to the eighth habit, he had a wonderful dictum that was referred in his book- " Live, Love, Learn and Leave and Legacy". Covey through his eighth habit stressed on leaving a legacy and that make a person to move from effectiveness to greatness. Though Covey wrote all his ideas from a secular perspective, I presume he was influenced by certain a spiritual principles and outlook in life and that could be seen in his writings. I was also greatly influenced by Covey because it reoriented me the way I worked and also brought certain fresh perspective in my ministry especially in my counseling field. Here is one man who made people think and respond to life in a very creative way so as to be a passionate about their life and their work. I think every Christian should also be passionate about Christ just the way Covey talked about ones life.

This week we are meditating on the theme “ Transformation in my Church”. The portion that we shall use for our meditation is from Acts 26. This is the portion where Paul has been brought in front of King Agrippa and has been asked to explain his conversion experience. Apart from Acts 2, where Peter boldly preaches about the risen Christ to the Jews, there is no other portions in the New Testament, where a person boldly declares his faith and his ministry to a person of authority. In this passage Paul is very passionate and boldly proclaims his encounter with Jesus Christ. He is also equally bold about his goal and the ministry that the Lord has given to him. Hearing him speak, Agrippa tells Paul that he is out of his mind and that his learning is driving him insane [ Acts 26: 24}. But Paul reaffirms his conviction and also has the guts to tell that he hopes that one day even King Agrippa will become like him. Here is Paul who is full of enthusiasm and zeal for the Lord. He does not do anything casually, but everything is directed to the glory of God and being passionate about the Lord that he encountered. I think what is needed in the life of a believer through the fellowship and nurturing through the Church, is this joy and passion to work for the Lord and through ones life, realize what it means to leave a legacy of faith for the people around and also to the next generation. Covey through is work did that. Let us also as believers and as a church, leave a rich legacy of faith.

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