When growth occurs in a person's life that is usually considered to be a good thing. When a person's mind and heart grows through education or experience, that is good. When a person's muscles grow through exercise and training, that is good. When a family grows through the birth or adoption of a child, that is good. When a business grows through new clients and opportunities, that is good. When a local church grows through the increase of people involved in giving and receiving ministry, that is good. And when this growth occurs, as good as it may be, new obstacles and challenges are introduced. Most people refer to these obstacles and challenges as "good problems to have," because such things reflect positive changes taking place in the life of a person, family, business, or church.
At Emmanuel BC, these are days of growth, which is good, and which means we are facing new challenges and obstacles; in other words, the problems we have are "good problems to have." I prefer to look at these challenges, obstacles, and "good problems" as opportunities. For us, they include a need for more ministerial staff, a renovation/expansion of our current facilties, a more effective and efficient way of ministering to the people already here and assimilating the people who are coming here.
On one hand, it would be great if there really was a such thing as an "Easy Button." I could press the button and we would staffed with the right people in the right places instantly. Then, I would press the button again and our facilities would instantly be adequate for our growing congregation. But, that will not happen. God loves us too much to short circuit a process by which we will learn and grow, so we have to face these opportunities as they are presented to us. Failure to do so would lead to our "good problems" becoming real problems, and we don't want that to happen.
So, we move ahead. We press on. We pray. We talk. We work. We plan. We pray. (I know I already said that!) And all the while we view thank God for the good problems we have, and we seek to address such problems in a way that will facilitate further growth, which I know will mean more challenges and obstacles, but that will be good!
Monday, June 25, 2007
Monday, June 4, 2007
Going through the Motions
Do you ever find yourself going through the motions? You know, doing or saying the "right" thing, or reacting the "right" way, just because it is what you are supposed to do? Do you ever feel as though your mind and heart are one place, while your body is someplace else?
For those in vocational ministry...ok, for me, this sometimes occurs. What am I supposed to make of this? Do I neglect to say or do the "right" thing just because my heart is not in it? I think we must be wise and discerning in each situation. Last night, I was honest with the church about this experience. I sought to be transparent with them and let them know that there will be times when you become discouraged in ministry. There will be times when you are saying and doing all the right things, all the while your heart is detached from those things. My opinion is that such transparency, though risky in the eyes of some, goes a long way in connecting with people. Pretending to have all the answers (which we don't), or to always have a sincere heart (which we don't), or to always appear genuinely concerned for ALL people (which we're not), doesn't really help in ministry. So, I was, and am striving to be honest about this struggle.
In response, as a way forward, I think of Galatians 6.9-10 which says, "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith." We must continue to strive, to serve, to give. We must keep a diligent watch over our hearts, for from them come the springs of life and upon them the Lord looks and perceives what is really there.
For those in vocational ministry...ok, for me, this sometimes occurs. What am I supposed to make of this? Do I neglect to say or do the "right" thing just because my heart is not in it? I think we must be wise and discerning in each situation. Last night, I was honest with the church about this experience. I sought to be transparent with them and let them know that there will be times when you become discouraged in ministry. There will be times when you are saying and doing all the right things, all the while your heart is detached from those things. My opinion is that such transparency, though risky in the eyes of some, goes a long way in connecting with people. Pretending to have all the answers (which we don't), or to always have a sincere heart (which we don't), or to always appear genuinely concerned for ALL people (which we're not), doesn't really help in ministry. So, I was, and am striving to be honest about this struggle.
In response, as a way forward, I think of Galatians 6.9-10 which says, "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith." We must continue to strive, to serve, to give. We must keep a diligent watch over our hearts, for from them come the springs of life and upon them the Lord looks and perceives what is really there.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Its Not About Me, but...
I am currently reading Simply Christian by N.T. Wright. So far, I have found it to be a refreshing and intriguing defense and presentation of the Christian faith. In it he states, "The line between justice and injustice, between things being right and things not being right, can't be drawn between 'us' and 'them.' It runs right down throught the middle of each one of us." How right he is! Further, "Isn't it strange that we should all want things to be put to rights but can't seem to do it? And isn't the oddest thing of all the fact that I, myself, know what I ought to do but often don't do it?"
I have previously posted that it is important to realize that it is not about me; rather, it is about God. His name. His kingdom. His praise. His glory. However, in thinking about things like justice and injustice, things being right and not being right, perhaps it is about me. It is much easier and preferrable for me to pass the buck on this one; to give the burden to someone/something else; to shine the light somewhere else so that I can stay comfortably within the shadows, but that will never do. As uncomfortable and disconcerting as looking into a mirror in full light may be, it is only then that I see things as they are. It seems that most people, including myself, are usually content to point the finger of blame for things not being right at others (other people, other religions, other situations or circumstances), but I realize that this will not do. I must first point the finger of blame at myself.
I profess to know the difference between right and wrong. I claim to know that doing what is right is much to be preferred over doing what is wrong, not only in God's sight, but for my own sake and the sake of those I share life with. However, I still do things that are wrong! Amazing! Jesus said that in order to help our brother get the speck of dust out of his eye, we must first get the plank out of our own eye. Paul said that he often does what he doesn't want to do, and sometimes he doesn't do what he wants to do. Nevertheless, we give thanks to God who gives us the victory through Jesus Christ our Lord.
I have previously posted that it is important to realize that it is not about me; rather, it is about God. His name. His kingdom. His praise. His glory. However, in thinking about things like justice and injustice, things being right and not being right, perhaps it is about me. It is much easier and preferrable for me to pass the buck on this one; to give the burden to someone/something else; to shine the light somewhere else so that I can stay comfortably within the shadows, but that will never do. As uncomfortable and disconcerting as looking into a mirror in full light may be, it is only then that I see things as they are. It seems that most people, including myself, are usually content to point the finger of blame for things not being right at others (other people, other religions, other situations or circumstances), but I realize that this will not do. I must first point the finger of blame at myself.
I profess to know the difference between right and wrong. I claim to know that doing what is right is much to be preferred over doing what is wrong, not only in God's sight, but for my own sake and the sake of those I share life with. However, I still do things that are wrong! Amazing! Jesus said that in order to help our brother get the speck of dust out of his eye, we must first get the plank out of our own eye. Paul said that he often does what he doesn't want to do, and sometimes he doesn't do what he wants to do. Nevertheless, we give thanks to God who gives us the victory through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Its Not About Me
This past Sunday was Mothers day and like most churches we recognized all of the ladies in attendance. This year the children handed out long-stem roses to their moms, some of whom ended up with 2 or more roses because 1) each of their children brought them one, and/or 2) their one child kept coming back to the flower basket for more, not to take to other ladies, but to take back to their mom. It was funny, and thankfully all of the ladies were duly recognized and went home with at least one rose (I think).
Anyway, the service progressed and as the musicians were playing during the offering, suddenly the power went out. Our worship leader, Brad, mentioned that his song was accompanied on cd and said that without power he could not sing the song. So, after the music ended, I went to the platform and began to preach with the doors open and emergency lights on. Now, earlier in the service I had prayed that God would make his voice heard; that regardless of what people thought of me, they might think rightly of Him. In the words of John the Baptist, "He must increase; I must decrease." So I preached and the people listened.
Honestly, I did not feel real good about my delivery of the message. I felt like I fumbled and bumbled my way through it; however, God answered my prayer. In talking with several people afterward, it was apparent that his voice was heard and his message was received. Thank you, Lord, for reminding me once again of the all-important truth, "Its not about me!"
Before the conclusion of the sermon power was restored. Our service ended with Brad singing a wonderful song about God's love for us as seen through the cross of Jesus. Another great day in worship of and service to our great God!
Anyway, the service progressed and as the musicians were playing during the offering, suddenly the power went out. Our worship leader, Brad, mentioned that his song was accompanied on cd and said that without power he could not sing the song. So, after the music ended, I went to the platform and began to preach with the doors open and emergency lights on. Now, earlier in the service I had prayed that God would make his voice heard; that regardless of what people thought of me, they might think rightly of Him. In the words of John the Baptist, "He must increase; I must decrease." So I preached and the people listened.
Honestly, I did not feel real good about my delivery of the message. I felt like I fumbled and bumbled my way through it; however, God answered my prayer. In talking with several people afterward, it was apparent that his voice was heard and his message was received. Thank you, Lord, for reminding me once again of the all-important truth, "Its not about me!"
Before the conclusion of the sermon power was restored. Our service ended with Brad singing a wonderful song about God's love for us as seen through the cross of Jesus. Another great day in worship of and service to our great God!
Friday, May 4, 2007
The Pace of Life
Last night Suzanne asked, "When will things slow down?" I suspect that lots of other people have asked the same or similar questions at one time or another. Through the years I have heard people speak about the increasingly fast pace of life. "The older you get, the faster time goes by," or so they say. Perhaps it seems like that. A busy day at work does seem to move along faster than a day that is less busy. Is there anything we can do about it? Is there anything we can do to slow down the sometimes frantic and frenzied pace of life? I think so.
Ephesians 5.15-17 says, "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is." With all of the options and choices set before us today, we must be wise and discerning about how we use our resources, including time, money, and energy. To simply jump into the flow of the stream giving little heed to what is in the stream or where it is going is foolishness. It may be the best thing we can do in order to begin the process of "slowing down" is stepping out of the stream, walking up to the ridge, and looking back over where we have been, evaluating where we are, and projecting where we want to be.
Lord, I praise you for your grace is sufficient, your wisdom is eternal, your love is steadfast, and your faithfulness endures forever. Now grant to us, your servants, the ability to "make the best use of the time" for the glory of God and the good of others.
Ephesians 5.15-17 says, "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is." With all of the options and choices set before us today, we must be wise and discerning about how we use our resources, including time, money, and energy. To simply jump into the flow of the stream giving little heed to what is in the stream or where it is going is foolishness. It may be the best thing we can do in order to begin the process of "slowing down" is stepping out of the stream, walking up to the ridge, and looking back over where we have been, evaluating where we are, and projecting where we want to be.
Lord, I praise you for your grace is sufficient, your wisdom is eternal, your love is steadfast, and your faithfulness endures forever. Now grant to us, your servants, the ability to "make the best use of the time" for the glory of God and the good of others.
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