My dear son,
I realize you will be serving Christ in a world far different than the one where I was trained and first released into ministry. Your methods, your dress, your vocabulary, the technologies you use and even the problems you face may have little in common with the world I knew, or even the world in which we both minister today. You will be a faithful servant of Christ not because you mimic my words or imitate my ministry style, but because you live out the timeless values we share – values that come to us from the Word of God and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
So while I still have the opportunity, I want to take a few minutes to summarize in writing the values and life lessons I have attempted to live out before you and most want to pass on to you…
I pray that you will live out the gift that was entrusted to you by our Lord Jesus Christ. Irrespective of what that gift might be, please understand that it is a spiritual gift and can only be effective through the power of the Holy Spirit living in you; and even then, only as you are filled and led by Him. It is the Spirit doing the work through a willing and obedient vessel. Always remember that the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Christ; and, the Spirit of Christ is the Spirit of mission. We only have One Spirit. You must always use your gift for the mission. The mission was given by Christ; it is to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey all that Jesus has taught us.
This mission is massive and extremely important to Jesus. So, be sober, be vigilant, fight a good fight, stay the course. In the process you will suffer, even at the hands of fellow soldiers; but, you must stay the course. Do not be dissuaded by anything this world has to offer. To not be dissuaded by popularity, position or power. Do not be dissuaded by money and other material gain. Remember, all these things are offered by the enemy. Keep on keeping on until the stars fall. Do not be afraid.
Fight the good fight, finish the race, keep the faith! If you do this, there will be a crown or righteousness waiting for you when you meet Jesus face-to-face and He says, “Well done good and faithful servant.”
Kurt Miller