BE STRONG

Sometimes it is so easy to get distracted from the main thing we are to be doing.  I had just spent two hours in prayer with a family that had a family member who was near death in the ICU, and I returned to my office and I had mail from a local preacher who wanted to debate the fact we had a kitchen in our church building.  I choose not to waste my time on such issues and with such ignorance, but I sometimes do. I checked my email and someone had sent me an article concerning Rochester Christian College and how they were supporting women for leadership roles in the local congregation.  This too is a sore subject with me and one that I will allow to distract me, but today I chose not to, and life went on.

I am not saying that we should avoid the false and ignorant teaching that comes before us, but we should not let it distract us from our main mission.  Today we are dividing and dividing and trying to find ways to divide again.  I once was part of a campaign at a church where they were down to seven members plus the preacher and his wife.  The preacher was bringing six of these members to the church in a van and was trying to sever fellowship with the seventh because of her lack of faithfulness in attendance.  There were eight souls saved on the ark and I guess the preacher thought that was a good biblical number.      

We do have to be protective of the Lord’s church, and we have to remember that it is not the building but the people who make up that church that is of utmost importance.  There is a time and place to debate and argue our differences; I am just not sure when that is.  When we are facing continually emptying pews and lack of interest among a number who do attend; when all you see in a church building is mostly white heads; and when there is continuing charges against “organized religion” then we must focus on doing what we are supposed to do.  It is easy to get discouraged, but we must be strong and go forward. 

After the remnant of the children of Israel had returned from captivity to their much neglected and destroyed Jerusalem, they came with hope and a vision.  After being back for a period of years they became discouraged and neglected the temple and the Lord’s work.  The Lord sent them the prophet Haggai to uplift, instruct and encourage them. 

Haggai first told them to “consider their ways.”  When we approach where we are today, we too should consider our ways.  How important is the church to us today?  Haggai then reminded the people that the Lord was still with them.  Sometimes the work is hard and we do get discouraged, but we should be reminded that the Lord is with us.  Haggai, speaking for the Lord, told the people to be strong.  When we are discouraged, and it seems there is more leaving than coming and there are problem after problem, we still need to be strong.  We are to never give up or loose our vision and goals.  Be strong!  From this very day forward, let us have a stronger attitude as we continue to grow this congregation of God’s people.  Let us not forget that God is with us and He will do things on his time table, not ours.