“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh rather, serve one another humbly in love.” Galatians 5:13
“Now you’re micromanaging!” said Mike. Those were the words said to me last night at Church. And I couldn’t have been more pleased or blessed! In fact I STILL have the smile on my face!
It all started a couple weeks ago when a couple of men got together and decided it would be beneficial to the Church to move the TV screen to the other side of the sanctuary so it could more easily be seen. That transitioned into buying an even BIGGER screen. Last night I met with them for a few moments as details were planned, then had to leave. Later on I made a suggestion I thought would be helpful. That was when I received Mike’s response.
No one else in the room knew what the laughter from the rest of the men was all about. But I did. And the reason it made me smile was because I recognized the gift as it was presented. Something had been suggested to benefit the whole church, a group of guys took it seriously, and getting it done was NOT going to require ME DOING IT! Ahhhhhh!
Being a pastor comes with certain requirements and attitudes. Becoming the chief servant is a prerequisite! In a small church, it can sometimes become depressing and tough serving alone. One of the weaknesses I inherited from my father is just doing things because they need to be done. After all, that’s easier than trying to kick a committee into action. Now… there I was, summarily dismissed while hearing, “we’ve got this!”
What a joy it is to receive love like that! To have others notice when I’m down, tired or overwhelmed is a HUGE blessing. To notice a need and then step up to fill it is called ministry! And I couldn’t be more blessed or proud of the guys!
Marriage requires servant-hood like that too. The principles of Jesus very often come as paradoxes. Like a diamond ring wrapped in toilet paper, the Word He gave usually shocks me at first! And NO paradox is more humanly resisted than the principle of giving! He PROMISES that we will GET…ONLY AFTER we first GIVE! The ONLY way to actually receive the benefit of His paradox, is to give it a try and SEE (Malachi 3:10)!
So thank you guys for the gift! I PROMISE I will not butt my nose into it or mess it up! But I’m looking out for ways I can serve YOU all as well! After all, why should YOU hog all the blessings????
