I’m certainly not saying let’s all try to be Avengers…
I know what you’re thinking right now. “Seriously? Are we now using movies based on nerdy comic books to receive revelation and learn about God’s kingdom on earth?!” My answer is: “Heck, yes!!!” You see, there are keys to understanding heavenly principles hidden everywhere, since heaven is the origin of everything. Simple, right? Yes, sometimes we have to dig a little to “find the gold” in things. While watching the Avengers a couple of weeks ago, I left the theater feeling inspired to dig out a couple of lessons for those of you who loved the movie. Here’s what I came up with (and I hope to hear some of your thoughts in the comment section below!):
Lesson 1: Do life together, not just ministry
Being friends makes ministry more fun and more effective
I’m convinced that the number one reason why most churches or christian groups don’t grow is the low-level of true heart to heart community and connection. Sometimes we’re so driven by vision and purpose that our groups and friend circles are exactly that and not much more: purpose-driven. In the article “The Top 5 Lessons I’ve Learned during 3 Years at Bethel’s School of Ministry” I talk about relationship being the essence of the kingdom in more detail. Trust me, being actual friends makes ministry both more fun and more effective.
Lesson 2: You can’t do it alone
Let’s admit it. Sometimes we just want to pull the “lonely rider” card and fall into the trap of believing we can do it all on our own. Truth however is that even lonely fighter icon Rambo ended up as a pretty crumbly and miserable guy, who only knows how to express himself with heavy guns in his arms (he really should’ve dealt with his relationship issues). I don’t know if you noticed already, but fact is we can’t live without relationships. In our deepest being we know we are created to be in relationship with others. Somehow God created us with a longing for things we can’t possibly achieve ourselves, so let’s stop fighting it and accept the fact that we truly need each other.Lesson 3: Value and Honor other’s gifts
Good leaders multiply themselves and communicate their vision. Great leaders empower others to rise to the fullness of their own individual potential and calling. I believe every successful team has in common that they take the time to thoughtfully position their individual members according to their unique strengths. It wasn’t until the Avengers stopped competing and started completing each other that they became unstoppable.
Lesson 4: Catch each other when someone falls
This may sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how often people fall – even within Christian groups – with no one there to be with them. Here’s the thing catch about catching: To be able to catch someone, you have to see where/ when they’re going to fall before it happens. How often do you think about your team members and the areas they could need your help in before it’s too late?Lesson 5: True Heroes are willing to lay down their lives
This is a part of Christian life we don’t like to talk about a lot. Who would join our church-clubs and meetings if they had to check a box saying “Yes, I’m willing to give up my life for this cause.” before entering? Well, I get that, but isn’t that kind of what Jesus asked of Peter when he said:
“Will you lay down your life for My sake?…” – John 13:38
It’s also what Revelations mentions as one of the 3 main attributes of overcoming Christians:
“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.” – Rev 12:11
Especially in this beautiful western world we need to be careful to not water down the requirements of the gospel too much, just to make people feel as comfortable as possible. Sometimes it’s time to find out who’s truly in and who’s not.
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