Rethinking an Old Addage

There is a revival, of sorts, of an old phrase going around social media these days. It says, "Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car." At first glance and even with some introspection, I thought, "Yeah, I can agree with that." But then I thought again when I noticed the list of people "liking" the phrase. It seems that church-goers and non church-goers, alike are readily clicking their like button.

Let's look at the two differing viewpoints that seem to be associated with this phrase.

1. To the churched, this phrase is a challenge. It asks us to examine our hearts and our motives for attending church. Are we there to glorify God, grow in Christ and in love for each other? Or, are we there because it's the thing to do and we can benefit socially?
2. To the unchurched, this phrase seems to present a justification for not attending church. While church attendance, alone, doesn't provide forgiveness for sin or the love, joy and peace that only a relationship with Christ can bring. This phrase can easily become an excuse for not going to church.

But something is missing from this phrase. Something that most people fail to consider. When a person is in right-standing with God - becoming more Christ-like - experiencing true life change, they WANT to go to church. They want to be around and hang-out with other Christians. That is why church attendance is an excellent gauge of where we are with Christ.

It is true that going to church won't make us a Christian, but, then again, neither will hanging out in our garage.

A Generous Servant

Edward E. Kidd
September 24, 1929 - May 20, 2010

A Great Read

I do a fair amount of reading. There are books that I read by assignment and books that I read by choice. The latter, must meet a couple of requirements before I'll open the cover and, subsequently, continue reading.

First, the topic has to be practical - something that I can apply to my life and ministry, if not today, then tomorrow. I'm not looking for instant gratification, I'm looking for instant application.

Dick Hardy delivers in his book 27 Tough Questions Pastors Ask By keeping his finger on the pulse of what it is to be a pastor, Hardy offers practical advice in six areas that pastors encounter nearly every day. From Leadership to Hospitality and Staffing to Discipleship, Hardy challenges pastors to take an honest look at their ministry as well as themselves and make some important evaluations

As I read, I found myself getting excited as I imagined how best to implement the ideas and suggestions Hardy so graciously gives the reader. "We could do that." "Yeah, I could be better in that area." Those are just a few of my thoughts through the pages of the book. Challenging.

Second, in order for me to keep reading, the author's tone needs to be conversational. Hardy writes as though he is sitting with the reader, having an invested conversation in the reader's ministry. This book was written by a man with a heart for God, people and your ministry.

It isn't often that I endorse a book; however, Hardy's book is a must-read for all pastors. Our ministries, people and, ultimately, God's Kingdom will benefit.

thehardygroup.org

Repeating the Important

I recently attended a conference that featured a variety of well-known speakers. One of these speakers was the legendary, Zig Ziglar. I was looking forward to hearing him; however, what I didn't know was that he had fallen a few years ago and has suffered short term memory loss. He speaks with the help of his daughter, who does her best to keep him on track.

With his impaired memory, Zig would keep returning to and reiterating one topic, loving and cherishing your spouse. At the time, I could feel the crowds uneasiness as Zig would repeat what he had just said moments earlier. I felt sad, knowing the history of this great orator and then to see him in a diminished capacity.

Over the last 2 days since the conference; however, I have been contemplating a new perspective. While it wasn't Zig's intent to repeat the same thing over and over, it may have been God's intent to drive a message home to the thousands attending that day.

Success isn't measured by wealth, possessions or even talent. It is measured by God and our relationships with our spouse, family and friends. Are you chasing the important? That is a question worth repeating everyday!

Mind Your List

Last week, I had the privilege of chaperoning the backstage area of our local High School during a performance of the spring musical. I must admit, I felt like a hall monitor - keeping couples from stealing away into some remote corner of the school, keeping the guys out of the girls changing room and the girls out of the guy's (the latter having the most attempts - crazy girls).

Our oldest sons were involved in the production and, it was interesting to notice that, every time the boys were not on stage, they would stand beside me. In one instance, Brandon was sitting on my knee.

In today's culture, many teens don't want anything to do with their parents. I'm thankful for the strong bond that we have with each one of our kids. Of all the factors that influence the parent-child relationship, none influence it more, than not putting your kids first. Yes, you read that right, NOT putting your kids first.

For any relationship to thrive, the persons involved must have good priorities. a good relational priority list looks something like this:

1. God
2. Spouse
3. Family
4. Church
   
5. Ministry/Work

Any deviation from this order brings danger to our lives. Any weakness in any position on the list will effect the other positions, especially those positions that are beneath the weak area.

Want to be a good spouse? Love God
Want to be a good parent? Love your spouse.
Want to have a fulfilling career? Spend quality time with your family, so you can enjoy what your working for!

What? you don't have a priority list? Can I encourage you to write one today? Once you have it written, make the choice to mind it.

Blessings!

Must Read - From George P Wood

This challenged me today - I'm staying in the arena - no comfy couches for me!


http://georgepwood.com/2010/04/21/rulers-or-ruined-1-corinthians-48-10/