Church Board Prayers - Week 13

 DSC8098Jeff Foxworthy is a comedian who has made a career of insulting people by making a statement, and if you have or do what he is describing, then “you might be a redneck”. For instance, “If you’ve ever made change from the offering plate, you might be a redneck.”, or “if you own a home with wheels on it and several cars without, you just might be a redneck.” These quotes are usually very funny, but sometimes he is actually describing me, and then it sort of hurts a little.

Last fall, our men’s study group read the book “Crazy Love” by Francis Chan. If you have read any of Chan’s work, or heard him speak, you know he does not hold back when it comes to challenging us to live the Christian life with abandon, and does not apologize for it. In chapter 4, Chan describes a number of conditions that people who claim the name “Christian” will display or practice, and with scripture as back-up, list what he describes as lukewarm Christians. Some examples:
• If I give money to church and charity as long it does not impinge on my standard of living, I may be a lukewarm Christian. "While Jesus was in the Temple, he watched the rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box. 2 Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins. 3 “I tell you the truth,” Jesus said, “this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them. 4 For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.”" (Luke 21:2-4)
• If I do whatever it takes to stay in my comfort zone, I could be a lukewarm Christian. “Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matt. 10:28)
• If I spend more time thinking about earthly things than heavenly things, I am probably lukewarm. 2 “Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.” (Matt. 3:2)

I must admit I went into this lesson positive that he was describing someone else, but after reading the chapter two more times, I was convicted that Chan was speaking directly to me in some of these areas; (there are about 10 other examples). The Christian life seems easy if fits our situation. The fact is, being a Christian who is fully sold out and on fire for the Lord is hard work. But that is the person I want to be, and the life I believe God desires for all of us.

Jack and Ken are currently doing a sermon series on Christian Stewardship. That subject can cover many aspects of how we use our time, talent, and treasure as God intended. We must each examine ourselves concerning how we practice that stewardship. What I know for sure is that everything we have, are, or ever will be is because of God’s Great Love, and the only way to show true devotion and commitment to Him, is to live a life with that very truth as our standard.

16 Then he told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. 17 He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’ 18 Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. 19 And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”’20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’21 “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.” (Luke 26: 16-21)

Lord, it is our desire to serve You and Your Kingdom with all our hearts, mind, and soul. Help us to always focus on things of Heaven, and not this world. You have blessed us with so many gifts, treasures, and talents; we can only humble ourselves before You and live this Christian life, holding nothing back from you. Bless Your people and Your church. Amen.

Rick Ouwenga