Reality Check

The church today needs a reality check.  It behooves us as leaders to lead in the reality of our churches fulfilling our Biblical purpose.  Dr. Henry Blackaby wrote in an On Mission Magazine article: "If a nation is getting darker, or decaying, the 'problem' is not entirely with society.  The problem really lies with the condition of God's people.  We (Church) conduct our programs and activities, often simply to grow larger in number, but our influence as salt and light is not being felt in culture."

We are in need of a reality check.  Our purpose isn't really to build bigger churches with more activities.  Our real purpose is to be salt and light in our community (Matt. 5.13-16).  The great commission will not be fulfilled by us building bigger structures, drawing bigger crowds and having better activities than anyone else in the community.  We must be the preserving and directing influence of salt and light on our culture.

Leaders we desperately need a reality check.  Ask yourself the tough question about your ministry.  Am I and the church I lead really preserving or giving light to my community or am I just "doing church"?

Build Carefully

According to God’s grace that was given to me, as a skilled master builder I have laid a foundation, and another builds on it. But each one must be careful how he builds on it,

1 Cor 3:10 (HCSB)

Build carefully!  What a great word of encouragement.  In ministry it is easy to get in the rut.  We get used to a routine.  Sometimes the routine is healthy.  Sometimes it is following culture or tradition.  Sometimes it is down right dysfunctional.  Being careful how we build requires that sometimes we evaluate the work.

We should ask ourselves some questions:

• Am I doing this because it is what God has called me too?
• Is what I am doing healthy for me, my family and the Church?
• Am I doing what is God's (Biblical) job description or what is expected of me by church culture and tradition?
• Are my motives pure?
• Is the vision clear?
• Am I accomplishing anything worthy of the Kingdom of God?

This passage (1 Corinthians 3.10-15) reminds us that their is reward for faithful, consistent service.  It also warns that an unexamined work might be worthless in God's eyes.  Let me challenge you fellow leader in the Kingdom, Lay the right foundation, examine what you are doing and enjoy the fruit and rewards of our gracious King Jesus!