January 22 Being Productive… James 1:22
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” (James 1:22)
“I am too busy!” This statement is often the response that we give to those who are in need our assistance. Personally, I have used this to avoid involvement in situations that were unpleasant. Amazingly, in 21st Century America, I believe that we are so busy that we miss the opportunities to serve and to make a true and lasting difference! There was a time, not so many years ago, that I equated “Busy” and “Activities” of the Church, with serving God. Daddy used to warn me about misdirected activities that I would deem as service. He would say, “Son, you can be busy digging a ditch with a spoon. You exert a lot of effort with very little results!” Are we allowing our “Busy” activities to get in the way of “Real and Lasting Ministry” to others? I continue to ask God to help me determine what is “Busy,” and what is truly productive! May we continue to “Get Involved” in the lives of others and may we continue to make a difference in where others will spend “Eternity!” BE ABOUT THE FATHER’S BUSINESS; and learn to discern between “Busy” and “Productive!” May we never be too busy to make a difference! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
POSTSCRIPT: Yesterday, while sharing the Good News with a young couple, they shared their recent experience when visiting a local church service. They told me that they were greeted with obvious suspicion and a “who are you” attitude. I attempted to offer an explanation for the behavior, yet I was stymied when the lady, of the couple, said that it was if they were expecting the worst of us, not the best. Have you ever encountered church folk that look for the worst in others? Is it possible that those who choose to see the “glass half empty,” can have an experience and the “glass becomes half full?” Amazingly, and sadly, I am witnessing individuals that are prioritizing their “feelings,” at the cost of their witness for Christ! Recently, I have seen the resignations of young pastors that have encountered those individuals that are “church folk,” and their focus is not necessarily spiritual or edifying to the cause of Christ. With a clear introspective assessment of my own life and attitude, I realize that I MUST spend MORE TIME in HIS WORD, and develop “Camel Knees,” as I intensify my Prayer Time with My Lord! Simply put: Please get your priorities straight, focus of what is edifying to Christ, and, as Dr. Kelton Hinton continues to declare, “Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing,” and that is being a true and effective witness for Jesus Christ, regardless of your personal bias and notions!