"While the carpenter builds the house, the house is building the carpenter." --Howard Dayton
After years of building churches, and encouraging others to do the same, I have learned a few things. I AM THE OUTCOME, that's the first. Not only me. You, too. Us. The Lord's ultimate purpose in the church is that HIS PEOPLE be conformed to His image. It is a function of discipleship. As we serve Him in the church, He intends us to learn. To change. To become like Him. Patience? Yep, learned at church. Kindness? Please, God. Wisdom? That, too. Endurance? Absolutely.
It is from this perspective (the vision of personal growth) that James encourages us to joy, even when things aren't going so well. "Consider it all joy, my brother, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance." Hmmm. . .maybe a perfect church wouldn't be perfect for me, for God's purposes in me. Maybe a few problems or challenges or not-so-easy-to-love members are exactly what I need. In order to grow, I mean.
The second lesson is like it, only more important. JESUS IS OUR NEED. In every church, in every situation of every church, Jesus is the essential thing. Some Mondays, I have to remind myself. LIFE doesn't come from making this decision or solving that problem. LIFE is not a list of things to do. LIFE flows into the church from the risen and sufficient Savior. My first job (and my first joy) is to find Him. Reminds of Martha. Busy. Anxious. Angry Martha. The Lord said to her, and to all of us, "you are distracted by many things, but only one thing is really necessary." HIM.
These are good days at Hunters Glen. As we thank Him for His mercy toward us, doesn't the real question become obvious? What is He teaching us? What sacrifice or lesson does He intend for ME to learn in this season of our church's life? If I want the church to get better, shouldn't I?
Sunday is Mother's Day. I hope you will come as a family for worship. I hope children will come for children's message. Grade 1-6 (younger children if they are present in the service) will be invited to come and sit with me for a different moment of instruction. Sunday will also begin a new series of sermons. "Life Lessons: The Parable of Jesus." I hope you will read Matthew 13"1-15 in preparation.
"Unless the Lord builds a house, they labor in vain who build it."--Psalm 127:1
I will see you Sunday. It looks like it is going to be a really good day.
Don Guthrie
Interim Pastor
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