As one whose calling and vocation involve the use of words on a regular basis, you would think that snapping out a regular bog post would be among the least of my challenges. In fact, it is among the most stressful for me. Perhaps that is why I avoid and neglect it. There is so much that needs to be said,and I feel a pressing need to get it right. There is so much at stake, there is an urgency in the Gospel, and we cannot waste our efforts with trivia.
I was reminded this week, by some wonderful and gracious friends, that as a man of God, my words are loaded with meaning and intent. Because of my unique role in the community and in society, people tend to believe what I have to say and take me seriously. I have had some moments in the recent past in which I was careless about these matters, and I occasionally speak first and think about it later. I was reminded that I do not have the luxury of foolishness in my words, deeds, or actions. And for those occasions in which I neglect the seriousness and gravity of my calling, I humbly ask your forgiveness and understanding that I am merely human as well.
As a church, we ought to be developing a ministry mindset that derives around purpose and intention, with an understanding of the magnitude of what we are about. The God of all creation has spoken, the Redeemer has called to His people. He has work for us to accomplish, a mission and a obligation to go forth and live in grace and love and reveal His majesty and magnitude to a world that needs Him so desperately. We cannot afford to lose a minute, and we cannot waste our chances.
There is a scientific term called specific gravity, that has something to do with the density of matter in relation to volume. Air has a specific gravity of .0012, and lead has a specific gravity of 11.35, and that is why we understand lead to be heavier than air. In a sense, churches have a specific gravity. The matters that we deal with here are weighty and significant. As we relate the truths of God to a world that is twisted with sin and degradation, we deal with matters of eternity and life. There is gravity in God's Word and the ways we live it out and relate it those around us.
I can't speak for you, but I remember every church that I have ever set foot in, even from a child. Some of the impressions left in me by those churches have been good, some not so much. But all of them linger in my life and heart. We represent the Living Lord of the Universe in a dying world, and every action we take reflects on Him. That is heavy. We should never have just a regular Sunday, or just another worship service. Each and every time the church gathers, the presence of God is to be acknowledged and experienced. Every opportunity we have to speak to those around us is an opportunity to speak words of grace and kindness and life. We must be deliberate in our actions and words as we seek to fulfill our mission and purpose on earth. There is much at stake.
I was reminded this week of all these truths because I sometimes fall short, sometimes I am casual and careless as I interact with people I care about. And sometimes my words in conversation do not match my heart or intent. I am blessed to among gracious and forgiving people, and I thank you for the gentle corrections and accountability that you provide for me. I ask that you continue to help me to be at my best every day, so that I can be refined and purified for service in this community and Kingdom. And if we will all be aware of the gravity and emotional significance of who we are and what we do, I firmly believe that God will be honored and revealed in the life of His people.
Many Blessings to you all.
