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This is the last of our lessons from locusts as they are described in Joel 2.7, 8:

• Like warriors they charge. Are we on offense, actively trying to make a difference?
• Like soldiers they scale the wall. Are we undeterred by obstacles?
• They march each on his way; they do not swerve from their paths.Does each of us know our job and do it? Can each of us operate within our own calling?
• They do not jostle one another; each marches in his path. Are we content to let others pursue their calling?
  
• They burst through the weapons and are not halted. Do we expect to be effective?

Expect to be effective. The locusts “burst through the weapons and are not halted.” Jesus promised that “the gates of hell will not prevail against the church.” (See Ewellogy, February 15.) Winston Churchill said, “It is no use saying ‘we are doing our best.’ You have got to succeed in doing what is necessary.”

Expecting to be effective is a little bit counter to the oft-quoted phrase in Christian circles, “We are not called to be successful but faithful.” There is certainly truth in that, too, and often “success” is beyond our control. However, expecting to be effective might put us into a mindset of determining what effectiveness would look like and then assessing our activities, making adjustments when necessary. Again, often in Christian circles, we are content to keep running the same plays whether they are effective or not.

The Apostle Paul measured his effectiveness in the stability of his converts: For now we live if you stand fast in the Lord. (1 Thessalonians 3.8, NKJV)

Nehemiah’s effectiveness was a completed wall. Habitat for Humanity points to millions of completed houses. International Justice Mission liberates people from sexual exploitation. An organization that helps non-profits measure effectiveness advocates “turn-the-curve” thinking. For example, if we can’t eliminate, say, teenage pregnancies, can we at least turn the curve?

We pray for you all the time—pray that our God will make you fit for what he’s called you to be, pray that he’ll fill your good ideas and acts of faith with his own energy so that it all amounts to something. (2 Thessalonians 1.11, MSG

The world is unprincipled. It’s dog-eat-dog out there! The world doesn’t fight fair. But we don’t live or fight our battles that way—never have and never will. The tools of our trade aren’t for marketing or manipulation, but they are for demolishing that entire massively corrupt culture. We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity. (2 Corinthians 10.3 – 6, MSG)