Pastor's Message

June 2005

Life is tough. Not only are there temptations all around us but even within our faith there are so many challenges and trials. And sometimes our personal and professional lives are “filled” with so many commitments and responsibilities that our faith is relegated to a tiny corner. It becomes a challenge to hold on to our faith, let alone nurture our faith that it may grow.

The New Testament writers recognized this and encouraged those early Christians to work hard and devote themselves to nurturing their faith. Hebrews 12:1 says, “Let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us.” And Paul, in I Corinthians 9:24 admonishes the church, “Run in such a way that you may win (the race). Athletes exercise self-control in all things, so do not run aimlessly.” Any athlete who wins a race will tell you that you do not win by simply getting up some morning and deciding to run, but it takes training and practice. We need to bring the same attitude to our faith and our whole life.

John MacArthur, in an editorial in “Your Church” magazine suggests several areas where pastors should train themselves for Christian leadership, but his list applies to any Christian. I would like to share some of his thoughts with you.

First, get organized. Start with small things, like your desk, your room or even just a closet. Put away things that are out of place and throw away things that are useless. Then do the same thing with your schedule. Set your priorities and schedule your time according to the priorities. If you don’t clear the clutter, you may find yourself spending time on things that are not really important. And ask yourself the question, have I given sufficient time and priority to my faith?

Second, use time wisely. Having set your priorities and developed your schedule, follow it. Don’t put off important things; work hard; don’t waste time; stay busy. Of course you need leisure time – even Jesus knew that rest was essential (Mark 6:31) – but discipline yourself in that part of your life as well so that your leisure refreshes you and enables you to return to your real priorities with renewed energy.

Third, find ways to be edified rather than simply entertained. When you have time to rest, do things that will provide self-improvement in body, mind and soul. Read a good book; develop a hobby that has real value; devote some time to strengthening friendships and relationships with others. Be sure to give time to Bible Study and daily devotions – you might be surprised how well that can refresh and restore you.

Fourth, pay attention to small things. A lack of discipline and responsibility in small things will keep you from moving on to the more important things – read again the parable to the talents (Luke 19:11-27). A failure in small things can become a haunting experience.

Fifth, accept extra responsibility. Sometimes when we complete a task or a term of office, we begin to think that we now deserve a rest. But ask anyone who has gone through a long illness where they have been bedfast and they will tell you how hard it was to just get up and start walking again. Instead of looking for a time of rest at the completion of a responsibility, look for another task, another responsibility that might be even greater, so that you can keep growing.

Sixth, once you start something, finish it. Unfinished projects can be a discouragement to you and will undermine the confidence others place in you. Jesus himself taught that it was a reproach to start something and not be able to finish it (Luke 14:28-30).

Seventh, when you make a commitment, stick with it. This not only means you should not make a promise you don’t plan to keep, but like the king going out to battle (Luke 14:31-32), look at the cost and calculate whether you can see the project through to its conclusion. If you can’t, then look for a smaller task that will help you build toward a greater responsibility.

Life is tough. We need to work hard to overcome the challenges and trials that come our way. But with discipline and dedication, we can win the race and join the Apostle Paul as he looked back on his own life and said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8).