A trademark characteristic of my generation is building. Building a name, a legacy, a platform, a voice. It’s a noble attribute and one that has opened many doors for those venturing on pathways unmarked and treaded upon. We laud Mark Zuckerberg and Tavi Gevinson for creating their own companies and brands at ages inconceivable to most. And it’s awesome.

But part of building is recognizing when to build, how to build, and whom to build with. In a do-your-own-thing culture, we value individuality over self-sacrifice, notoriety over deference. In doing so, many expedite the foundational process of building character, valuing failure, and collective learning.*

You know why Americans have become stagnant in growth, he asked gently with a thick Sri Lankan accent. Pastor Adrian has years of ministry tenure, serve experience, and sacrificial service to the people of Sri Lanka, so when he says something, you must listen. The generations have stopped building upon what has come before them to do what they think is better. Better is a distinct American value; one highly to be appreciated. However, if better is determined in isolation, is it better for the whole or better for the individual?

Many people asked and questioned my decision to leave autonomy, individuality, and entrepreneurial endeavors to work in an office and serve alongside a very dominant leader. Some worried our competitive drives will clash. Others worried my identity would be lost in a cause. And still others worried that the amount of work to be done in an unexplored field would be too overwhelming.

Over lunch this past Sunday with two close friends, I was asked a very honest question:
Do you feel like you are living in Christine’s shadow?

I paused for a second because I wanted to give an honest answer. In the brief pause I thought about the moments of wrestling with my own selfish pride, the toil of submission, and the pain of death to self. No, I don’t feel like I’m living in her shadow. I’m not living in her shadow because I’m too busy moving in her slipstream. 

We are all called and created as individual beings. I want to celebrate being part of the body of Christ, knowing that each role plays a valuable function. No one is insignificant and everyone has a role. Christine is called to blow down walls and demolish strongholds, I’m called to do something uniquely different. Why would I waste time and wallow in her shadow, when I could run to the end zone with the blitz attack she just made? If she has submitted herself to building a kingdom much larger than her platform, I want to follow in suit.

Like Harry Truman said, It is amazing what you can accomplish if you don’t care who gets the credit.

Sometimes we think we could do so much if we weren’t inhibited by our boss, our leader, our pastor, our boyfriend, or our wife. If we view them as roadblocks, then yes, you will feel weighed down and bridled. But if the invitation is to build with them, build a something meant to last, to build a kingdom far larger than just yours for the collective good of many, are they roadblocks or building stones?

Be careful of the lies. It’s easy to hear the voices of people who sound like they are telling you the truth, but be careful that the enemy doesn’t use those words to convince you to stop building what’s in front of you.  Nehemiah spoke a word over God’s people: build the wall in front of you. Don’t worry about what it’s going to look like or if you’ll get the credit, just do what God’s called you to do.

*I’m specifically referring to those who want to build the Church. In no way am I condemning entrepreneurial endeavors or business ventures. However, I see a capitalistic business model creeping into the Church and that is what I am referencing through the article.