Embodiment or Impediment?

Jesus made a statement that I have read many times that today leaped off the page and began to speak to me in a whole new way.  He said one day in his teaching, "I am the light of the world."  What a powerful statement.  He also said, "Tear down this temple and in three days I will raise it up again," he was giving a clear message:  I am the mission.   The mission is in every fiber of my being and Spirit.  Tear down the outer walls of my authority and the inner walls will spring up again. 

The Pharisees and scribes were saying, "But it took Solomon thirty years to build this temple!"  Their eyes where on the outward appearance - the tangible expressions only.  They were completely missing the picture and function of "embodiment" that was being presented to them.  Thus, they thought that killing the body of Jesus would end the body of his work.  History has proven otherwise - just as he predicted.

The word embody means to give physical form to something invisible or incorporeal.   So when Jesus said that he was the light of the world he was letting everyone know that I embody light.  He didn't just house light in his physical body but in his soul.    Embodiement is internalizing and "becoming" your mission.  

At salvation, I have righteousness imputed to me...however I must now embody righteousness and internalize it.  

As youth pastor's do you embody the vision of your church and your pastor...or do you impede it?  You are either the embodiment or the impediment.  Could teens and parents in your church pick up on who you are without you saying a single word?  

Leaders who embody their mission will not lack for followers...

Just a thought....