Keep your eyes on Jesus, not other people
Pam and I came back early from vacation this year after spending only a week on the raod. And once again I am stunned at how quickly a week passes. It seems no sooner do you get used to traveling and living out of motels - and it is suddenly time to head home.
This year our time got cut short a few days due to an intermittent problem with the motorcycle - and a wisdom tooth of mine that started acting a fool just as soon as we hit the road.
Now personally, I always look forward to being somewhere new, enjoying the scenery driving new roads, eating at unfamiliar restaurants and making our “home” in a different location each night. I find even doing laundry on the road is more enjoyable thatn doing it at home. And people - Oh the people! It seems everywhere we go we meet folks who are pleasant and accomodating. Everyone has their own unique story, and if you are willing to listen - they are often willing to share it with you. Of course, one of the highlights of our week is when we get to drop in on an unsuspecting church. And this year was no exception.
We woke up early Sunday morning in Lexington, Virginia and checked our phones to see if there was a Baptist church in the area. This year, we found two within a couple miles, and chose one called Faith Mountain Baptist Church - because we liked the name. We got there before anyone else showed up, and so had time to wander over to the edge of the property and pet the neighbor’s goats. That seems like a really great way to start any day.
But soon enough people began drifting in. And honestly, the first ones thought it best to avoid “those hooligans” on the motorcycle. But then, I suppose Pam can come off as a bit intimidating in her road gear . . .
We soon found our way inside where we began meeting people. And they began the vetting process to see who we were, and why we were there. After some polite conversation, we were soon plugged into a Sunday school class where the teacher continued his ongoing study of the book of Acts. I had to bite my tongue a bit since Gary just finished taking us through an in-depth study of that same portion of Scripture. In some settings I have to remind myself that I am a guest and a student - NOT a teacher.
Soon enough we were off to the worshiop service where everyone kept apologizing that their church was so small and that they had no pastor (though they probably had 70 or so in attendance). Since their minister retired, it seems that they have been making due with pulpit supply pastors as they contemplate the idea of merging with another local church from the area that is growing exponentially - yet has no buillding. I can sympathize becuase I’ve watched that same scenario play out with dwindling congregations in our own area.
But in all honesty, I think a church’s mindset is what makes all the difference. During Covid, it got to where I was thinking of our church as small, and maybe even insignificant. And some might still call us small. But looking back to where we were - we have actually grown by leaps and bounds! And just imagine how our folks would welcome and even celebrate a new family - or some soul off the street coming to join us in our time of worship!!
When we read the Gospels, it’s hard to den how it was only about a dozen blue collar, uneducated men who faithfully followed Jesus . . . and went on to change the world! Let’s all do our best to get over the comparison trap, and work on being faithful to the cause of Christ.
Your brother in the Lord Jesus,
Pastor Ed