25 October 2007
Descending into greatness, part 3
It was the Best of Times, It was the Worst of Times.
Some people are just naturally mean spirited.
The above title (if not the actual book) has always fascinated me. How could you look back at a year (or several years) and declare it was both the best year and the worst year?
That was hard to do for me as a church planter until this year.
The good stuff?
Easy, that’s a no-brainer. Over 700 coming to faith in Christ Jesus and 350 or so professing Him through baptism…who can’t see God all over that?!
And it ain’t over yet!
But what about that split personality sounding, schizophrenic, Sybil-like, flipside mumbo-jumbo I was referring to in the title of today’s post?
Oh, that. Well, in many ways this has been one of the worst years for me as a pastor as well. No one likes admitting this stuff, I mean, how could a year with such blessing from God have anything bad accompany it?
I don’t know that I’ll ever be able to answer that this side of eternity. Because, the truth is, most of the, lets call it, ‘misbehavior’ (although that’s putting it way too mildly), came from people flying the banner of, “Christian.” My good friend and one of our teaching pastors, Clayton King wrote a great post on his blog about this. Seriously, you ought to read it. You’ll find the post I’m referring to here. In fact, go on over there…I’ll wait.
♪♪♪♫♫ Elevator Music…♪♫♪♪♪♫♫
Done?
That should give you a feel for how we “Christians” can often treat each other. What made this year especially tough for me personally was that there was no reason for it—quite the opposite, it has been a year to celebrate. What so many church’s pray for the entire life of the church. Yet, unbelievably, there were those who chose instead, to launch sniper attacks, lob a a spiritual grenade or two on their way out the door, or just smile when you see’m while chattering like an old set of clankin dentures while your back is turned.
Why? I mean they were only a handful, but boy did they try to recruit. Notre dame could really use these folks to rebuild their football program if that negative energy could only be re-channeled.
Alas, I’ve seen no sign of that.
Now watch this, don’t let this post get you down, or even think that I am down because, you’d miss the point of the post AND the series. Besides, I’m not down, I’m pumped!!! Here is what the Lord showed me regarding this seeming inconsistency in people. Take a look at what Jesus says here,
Do you remember what I told you? ‘A slave is not greater than the master.’ Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened to me, they would listen to you. John 15:20
Bad news? I don’t get to opt out of hard times and unfair treatment.
Good news? It will refine me as a pastor and EXPLODE our church to places only God can take it. How do I know? God brought His pruning shears to Southbrook and it’s a good thing. Every other time He’s done this it was followed by something AWESOME from Him! I read about it here.
You should do the same and then hold on to your britches. This weekend all that IGNITING will result in something huge!
4 Comments currently posted.
Kathy says:
Rob says:
Thank you for your words from His Word, Kathy!
Sometimes it’s just good to make the body of Christ aware that they need to be on the lookout for these types. They’re rare at SCC, but God has done such an awesome work here that I would hate to see them ever begin to flourish.
Better yet, it would be great to see disunity and divisiveness on the extinction list!
Tracy says:
Rob, it seems some people thrive on pessimisim and finding (or creating fault) in others. I’m glad that you rise above it instead of letting it get you down. I’m also glad that you share this with us so we may be aware of the devils in sheeps clothing among us. We always enjoy coming to Southbrook and (of course!) your messages. Keep up God’s great work!
Dory says:
Rob, thanks for sharing with us. I am sure that you are attacked more than any of us even realize and I thank the Lord that you are able to keep your eyes in the Word and your mind focused on what God thinks and not others opinions. Continue the fight! The more we win for God, the more Satan will push back. We are praying for you, your family and the church as a whole.
After I read your blog, I read these verses in my study:
2 Corinthians 11:14-15 And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.
It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.
The first verse is familiar, but until today I hadn’t noticed the 2nd verse.
Take courage in knowing that God has us covered with His Word.