We live in a time when the church is failing to live up to its own
standards. It has tragically been losing the respect of those it tries
to win to Christ because it has succumbed to sin, pride, and corruption.
In the past, a lost world looked to the church as the example of hope
and integrity; today, many people laugh or roll their eyes when the
church is mentioned. It has largely lost its relevance in the world.
In Awaken, best–selling author Terry Nance has composed a series of
letters to younger and newer believers, aiming to help them avoid many
of the sins and mistakes of their spiritual fathers as they hold high
the standard of the kingdom of God with which they have been entrusted.
We the church must realize that we are called to be kingdom leaders
for Jesus Christ, not empire builders for ourselves. We must awaken to
the understanding that we carry Jesus to this world, and His spirit
within us must be reflected in everything we do. Nance's challenge is
clear: Set a standard of holiness in your own life, endure affliction
as a good soldier of Christ, run your race with patience, and persevere
until you come to the finish line. As you do, you can leave behind an
army of leaders in the next generation who will take up your banner for
Jesus and carry it forward with honor.
