my box is nice
it is big and has lots of little boxes inside
sometimes I sit in one of these boxes and watch another box that lights up
it is fun to watch this box
I also have a box with wheels
it is shinny and can hold 5 people
it goes fast
if I work hard enough I can have a bigger box
or maybe a box by the beach
I would like to visit this box
in the end they will put me in another box
and then give all my other boxes away
I don’t really like my boxes anymore
Last week a friend asked me: “which section of scripture has had the most profound affect on you as a church leader?”
There are two:
Matthew 9:35-38 “Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."
This part of scripture never fails to remind me of why I serve in full-time ministry.
In this passage, Jesus had just finished a full day of ministry. Prior to verses 35-38, he healed a paralytic, called a tax collector to ministry, debated theology with the Pharisees, restored a bleeding woman, and raised a dead girl back to life. It had been a full day, but the day was not done.
Moved by the great needs before him, Jesus looked upon the crowd with compassion and said, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.” As I read Jesus’ words, I understand His message. Seeing the needs of those before me evokes compassion and reminds me of why I serve in church leadership.
Some time ago, I sat down to counsel a couple that I was scheduled to marry. In our meeting, the woman began to open up about the pain that previous relationships brought to her life. As she began to let her guard down, she openly shared the current challenge she faces in trusting her fiancé and her fear of trusting God.
As I sat in that meeting, Jesus’ words took on flesh. “They are harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”
In my life I have found nothing more fulfilling than being one of the ”workers in the harvest field.” Those words fuel and direct my life.
The other passage that has a deep impact on me as a church leader is found in James.
James 1:2-4: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
Throughout the last 13 years, I have learned through many experiences the importance of perseverance in ministry.
Though learning perseverance can bring pain and leave scars, I have found that it is during those trials and testing of my faith that God has nurtured my resolve to serve him with even greater fervor.
Consequently, my first response to hardship or trial is no longer, “Why is this happening to me?” Instead, I have learned to respond to challenges in life and ministry by asking a question: “What are you teaching me now, Lord?” I would be lying to say that this is an area of mastery in my relationship with God. I am learning to understand God’s definition of joy as he lovingly allows me to grow deeper in faith through trials of many kinds but yet never leaves my side.
The other day I was teaching my daughter to share. She was playing with her “best friend” who was wildly upset because my daughter would not share a toy with her.
When I asked my daughter to share she yelled “No! I can’t believe that she wants my toy. It is mine!”
One of the first things we need to learn in life is the concept of sharing. This is something that if left solely to ourselves, we will never do. But if one wants to truly thrive in this world they will have to learn how to share.
This is especially true when it comes to hope. Because hope was created to be shared.
Scripture speaks to this in 1 Peter 3. “Always be prepared to give and answer to everyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope that you have.”
In this passage scripture tells us to be ready. Because it is when we are truly living a life of faith, a life that demonstrates our hope in God, that it often raise questions in the minds of others.
And it is in these moments that we should be ready to give an answer for our lives and the hope we have because of Jesus Christ.
Take a few moments to think about this. Maybe there was a time when a person asked you why you lived differently. How did you respond? What happened in that moment? Does your life really look any different than others?
Read 1 Peter 3:15-17
This is excerpt from the book Linchpin by Seth Godin. Seth has a very interesting way at looking at life. I hope this causes you to think a little today.
The system we grew up with is a mess. It’s falling apart at the seams and a lot of people I care about are in pain because the things we thought would work don’t. Every day I meet people who have so much to give but have been bullied enough or frightened enough to hold it back. The have become victims, pawns in a senseless system that uses them up and undervalues them.
It’s time to stop complying with the system and draw your own map. Stop settling for what’s good enough and start creating art that matters. Stop asking what’s in it for you and start giving gifts that change people. Then, and only then, will you have achieved your potential.
Here’s the deal our parents signed us up for:
Our world is full of factories. Factories that make widgets and insurance and Web sites, factories that make movies and take care of sick people and answer the telephone. These factories need workers.
If you learn to be one of these workers, if you pay attention in school, follow instructions, show up on time, and try hard, we will take care of you. You won’t have to be brilliant or creative or take big risks.
We will pay you a lot of money, give you health insurance, and offer you job security. We will cherish you, or at the very least, take care of you.
It’s a pretty seductive bargain.
But in the face of competition and technology, the bargain has fallen apart.
Now. . . think.
This past weekend I had the honor of leading a memorial service for a man named John Kaufman. John was deeply loved by his family and friends and left quite a legacy for those who had the pleasure of knowing him.
For the last nine years of his life, John suffered from a disease called frontotemporal dementia. Even though FTD slowly limited him physically, John’s heart and love of life will always be remembered.
The night before his passing his wife Sharon wrote “Wait Patently” and has allowed me to share this with you. I have read this a number of times and it always reminds me of just how precious this life really is. Enjoy this reading and John; I look forward to playing tennis with you one day in eternity.
God Bless,
Mike
“Wait Patiently”
by
Sharon Kaufman
Wait Patiently, My Love,
it is not yet time for me to go.
I know it has been hard to watch me suffer,
and you’d rather release me than to think
of the agony I am experiencing.
This dying process is part of life.
It hasn’t just begun in the past several days;
it’s been going on since the day I was born; however,
you are so much more aware now because
these days are the final ones.
Wait Patiently, My Love,
it is not yet time for me to go.
There is much preparation going on
that we don’t see.
My body is slowly turning out the lights,
one area at a time,
but my spirit is building in strength.
There is preparation going on in the heavenlies also.
We cannot see it but my spirit says it is so.
They are preparing a place for me, and
just as with building our home, they are working
on the finishing touches.
Wait Patiently, My Love,
it is not yet time for me to go.
I await a visit from the Author and Perfector of us all.
When I was born, He breathed the breath of life into me;
when He comes for me now, I will exhale
my spirit and finally be free.
Wait Patiently, My Love,
It is not yet time for me to go.
It is the third watch and dawn will come shortly.
