“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!!!)