Many of us are counting down till vacation time. I’m glad you are going to get a chance to get off but don’t forget your responsibilities to God and His church. I believe we can see something other than a Summer Slump this year. But it depends upon whether we are counting down or building up.
Ten little church members came to worship all the time. One fell out with the pastor and then there were nine.
Nine little members stayed up late. One overslept and then there were eight.
Eight church members on their way to heaven. One took the low road and now there are seven.
Seven church members all chirping like chicks. One didn’t like the music, now there are six.
Six church members seemed very much alive, but one got ‘travelitis’; this left five.
Five church members pulling for heaven’s shore. One tired and got disgruntled, and this left four.
Four church members, busy as can be; but one got his feelings hurt, and now there are three.
Three church members and the story’s almost done, for two of them got weary and this left one.
Now everyone knows that one can’t do much, but one brought a friend last month and then there was two.
Two church members each won one more. Now you see? 2 + 2 = 4!
Four church members worked early and late. Each one brought one and now there are eight.
Have you got the message, pointed and true? Come on folks, we’ve got a job to do. For you see, these eight members, if doubled as before, in just seven weeks would have 1,024.
When you stop and think about it we belong to either the wrecking or the building crew. I don’t believe that any one of us signs up for the wrecking crew. Could it be that we just underestimate how important our church responsibilities are. Do we forget how our slacking off has a counting down effect on God’s work through the church? We become part of that crew by neglect, by forgetting the eternal impact of our actions, and by putting self ahead of God’s work.
Let me thank you for not letting that happen this year. Let’s make a commitment to be a part of the building crew – God’s Building Crew.
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thes. 5:11 NIV
So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church. 1 Cor. 14:12 NIV
You might remember that I referred to Acts 7:49 [“…What kind of house will you build for Me? says the Lord…”] in our February Newsletter. I went on to emphasize that we should be building First Baptist into a House of Prayer, a House of Holiness, a House of Faith, a House of Love & Encouragement and a House of Hope. As you continue to enjoy your summer will you add to your many plans some specific actions to help our church become the kind of house God desires?
We are builders together. My building or lack thereof affects your building. And the kind of builder you are has an impact on how well I can do the building job God has given me. Our church is dependent upon you, me and our fellow members. We are all dependent upon each other. Together we can become God’s Building Crew!!!
Hi, Ho, It’s off to work we go,
Pastor Steve