Random Thought No. 3

I read recently two articles about church “consultants.”  One article talked about how expensive they were, “…but worth it.”  Another article dealt with what the consultant learned in the process of consulting with a group of “pastors” of “megachurches.” 

Is it really that complicated?  Did Jesus and the apostles envision a time when churches would need instructions from a “consultant?”  Well…perhaps.  Churches have always needed instruction to equip the saints for the work of service and to build up the body of Christ (Ephesians12).  When taking on a new project or mission, for example, churches would benefit hearing from those with experience in the matter. 

At the same time, having said that and however (and other clichés), what God asks us to do as a church is really quite simple: to be the body of Christ on earth.  If we would just pursue that task, as lot of consultation would be unnecessary.  Full instructions are already available.

Let me just suggest that we learn what Jesus did on this earth and just keep doing that.  Such a pursuit would solve most of our problems and put us back on track.  Simple.

Random Thought No. 2

I’ve been thinking lately about useless enterprises.  I just don’t believe God wants us to waste our time with them.  Trying to change people and churches by taking shots at them is one of those time-and-energy wasters.  I used to do it so I know what I’m talking about.

Have these attacks on people and churches ever changed any of them?  Have any of those legions of disfellowshipped churches (where’s the Scripture for that anyway?) ever returned to the fold?  Have any of the assaulted denominations ever surrendered?  Have any of the insulted and derided “clergy” ever surrendered their traditions and embraced the truth?  Lessee…lemmethink…nope…can’t think of even one!  See there?  Useless.  Waste of time.  I believe we have better ways to use God’s time.

When we take the offensive and become offensive, we just solidify the opposition.  On the other hand, gentle persuasiveness (2 Timothy 2:24,25) and graceful, seasoned words (Colossians 4:6) seem to work pretty well.

Hey…I’ve got an idea!  Let’s start doing stuff that works!

Mistakes? I’ve Made a Few

One of the chief advantages of writing in your sixties is that you’ve not already spouted a bunch of printed “pronouncements” you have to retract. You still eat crow…just not so much you choke on it. Most of my misstatements and missteps have gone unrecorded anywhere else but in my memory and that of innocent bystanders. At the same time I would say to my younger brothers and sisters, “Don’t be afraid to take risks and make mistakes.”

I’ve learned that one gains wisdom from the experiences of life, especially the mistakes.

Who Are You For?

I want to share a thought-provoking article by Bob Chapman.  It is time for us to quit worrying about who’s out and who’s in and start focusing on the millions of lost souls all around us.  Bob and I certainly do not agree on a lot of details but we both agree that the world needs the gospel.  See what you think.  Dwight Whitsett

Joshua 5:13-15 “When Joshua was by Jericho, he looked up, and behold, a Man stood near him with His drawn sword in His hand. And Joshua went to Him, and said to Him, Are you for us, or for our adversaries? 14 And He said, No [neither]; but as Prince of the Lord’s host am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and worshiped, and said to Him, What says my Lord to His servant? 15 And the Prince of the Lord’s host said to Joshua, Loose your shoes from off your feet; for the place where you stand is holy. And Joshua did so.” Amplified Version.

 

How wrong Joshua was!

Restoring the Treasure

              Sailing ships, treasure, and the sea hold a special fascination for me.  If you take National Geographic Magazine you have probably noticed the articles about ancient wrecks.  Explorers and treasure-hunters discover them.  Archaeologists painstakingly salvage their treasure and artifacts.  It doesn’t seem to matter how old the shipwreck, if anything was on board that didn’t rot, it is still there, waiting to be found.  Usually, the sea takes its toll over the years.  Corrosion and the crust of barnacles and coral rime old cannons, bottles, eating utensils, amphorae, and other objects.