Article: "Do a Few Things and Do Them Well"

“Do A Few Things and Do Them Well”

March 2012

No, the title of this article is not a direct quote from scripture (although, it does sound proverbial doesn't it?). However, in keeping with my article in our last epistle, it certainly connects to our constant need to balance our view of our own “finiteness” and our responsibility in using our gifts as trusted stewards.

As we talked about in the previous article, there is only one person who can do all things at once and do them well. Only our triune God, is unlimited by time and space. As the Paul reminds us in Colossians 1:17, “He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together.... The reality is that God not only is a wonderful creator, he is the wonderful sustainer. God is intricately involved in his created universe, and he is never tired-out or limited. This is a mind-numbing thought for us, and should encourage us that we do not have a “Clark Kent/Superman” kind of God, but a God that while comprehended in part, is incomprehensible. Not only are there things that we do not understand about him and his ways, there always will be a vast gap between the creator and his creation. If it were not so, then we would have a God that is more like the mythological and pagan god's of old; more super-human and maniacal than truly god-like.

I just remarked to Sylvia Bailey today, how encouraged I am with how well we are able to accomplish a helpful and sharp presentation in regard to our worship and church life. We are small in number and resource, but our way of doing things reflects a desire to do things well. For example, our banners are tasteful and first rate. Our worship space is simple, but communicates an appreciation of historic symbol and the importance of art in worship. We have people in our church who are artists or who have a great discernment about the place of art in the redeemed community. We are led in worship by people who take their craft seriously, yet do not want worship to be hindered by an attitude of “performance”. We present a wonderful newsletter, order of Worship, and are meticulous in our board and committee notes so as to be truthful and accurate. Led by the building and grounds committees past and present, we have a well-maintained and beautiful church building and property that enhances our ability to worship and minister to people. With Lilian (our custodian), there are many volunteers who keep the building clean, the trash out, and the dishes washed.

However, we are finite, fallen, and redeemed human beings. We are saint and sinner at the same time. Thus, we are driven at times by more things than just the Holy Spirit. A church that accomplishes much, must also be a church that constantly examines and discovers things about itself. If we do not discipline ourselves to be prayerful and reflective (like the season of Lent encourages), then we might start thinking that what we do and why is just because we are so “saintly”. However, this is untrue. We are often driven by many things in our lives, that if not reflected on (and changed by the Word and Spirit) end up driving us instead of the Holy Spirit. We have insecurities and hurts that make us feel inadequate; we have self-imposed requirements on ourselves that are often unrealistic; we have a “blasie-someone-else-can-do-that attitude” (that puts the burden on too few); we often have our glory and control in front of God's; and we have to fight a constant need to “do God's job for him” if we don't like the way he is choosing to work in someone's life or in our church as a whole.

It is now my desire as pastor, to start challenging us all to take a closer look at who we are and what God wants us to accomplish together. I think that he has much for us, but NOT ALL AT ONCE. Like his process in our sanctification he does not give us everything at once to handle. He gives it to us gradually, in his timing. When we follow his timing and are PATIENT (not irresponsible or unresponsive) we find his timing and power is PERFECT. When we run ahead of his timing we are usually pushy, anxious, and potentially divisive.

How can we balance the limits of our finiteness while pushing ourselves to a more disciplined and effective “Ministry” to the people God has called us to love? Well, the scriptures tell us that we are to do so meditatively (evaluating our selves and our motives), prayerfully (realizing it is only the Holy Spirit that can break through our blindness and hardness), and patiently (moving TOGETHER in Spirit while having differing opinions and specific ministries). So what are those “few things” right now that God wants St. Peter and St. Paul to be (and DO!). Great question! We will pick this discussion up again in part two of “Do a Few Things and Do them Well”...(coming to an Epistle near you!!!)