Get Your Pretense On!

116 • Get Your Pretense On!

Following the Dynamics (the Principles) of Representation If you look carefully at the ways in which God and Christ called both men and women to represent his interests in a particular task or mission, you will see a pattern with clear dynamics of that calling. These dynamics or principles constitute the active stages and actions involved in every assignment of responsibility for every person who serves as God’s emissary, envoy, or representative. These principles form the body of the actual act of delegation to a representative, and through them we can understand the process of our own unique calling, and our roles in representing Christ and his Kingdom where we live. 22 Let me briefly describe each stage or principle so you can have a clearer understanding of how God calls and commissions his people to do their work. Principle 1: The Commissioning Here a representative receives a formal selection and call to represent. This is the first stage of representation. It involves a formal selection and specific call to represent a legitimate authority in a particular operation, task, or role. When God desires to get something done, he usually selects a particular man or woman to get it done (e.g., Noah to build an ark, Moses to lead his people to freedom, Esther to free her people, Mary to give birth to Messiah, Jesus to save humankind). This involves an emissary who is chosen to be an envoy or proxy. Once the call is made, the selection is confirmed both by the sender and the one sent; it is neither arbitrary or self-determined. It is usually for a very particular role, a specific commission to accomplish something: to a particular position, task, or mission , and the call typically includes both privilege and responsibility . This call is given with the promise that what is needed to accomplish the mission, will be provided.