"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth."
~ 1 Timothy 2:1-7 (ESV)
The story is told about a coastal life-saving station that saved a great many lives every year. As time passed the station became famous and efforts were made to buy better equipment and build a bigger building. The volunteers continued to give much time and energy to improve the looks and quality of the station. It eventually became more beautiful than any other station with more volunteers than ever. With all the activity focused on the station itself, one thing ceased to happen; saving lives. They lost their focus.
I enjoyed the privilege of being the pastor of three churches in three states for over forty years. From the very beginning my heart yearned for lost souls to come to Jesus. In each church, various programs of evangelism were organized and people came to the Lord. But, evangelism always had an ever pressing competitor ... the church building. Money, volunteers, time, and constant effort would drain our resources. One project would be completed just in time for the next to begin. It eventually came down to a spiritual battle between reaching the unbeliever or restoring the old building. Sadly, we often lost our focus.
The story for most of us isn't about building a beautiful
palatial worship center that will "wow" the crowds. We usually
inherit grand old legendary buildings that were built by spiritual stalwarts of
days gone by. Yes, we're grateful for places to worship, but we are so often
haunted with the ongoing cry for building restoration. While such needs press
upon us, may Paul's word of counsel always call us to arms... "First
of all". Let us keep prayer, preaching, and the saving of people first and foremost. Pastors, never let buildings cause you to lose your focus.
No comments:
Post a Comment