A friend of mine who rides was telling me about an experience she once had while working her way up a long mountain climb. Cyclists tend to be pretty eccentric. We buy all the right stuff...from the helmet to the shoes, and everything in between. We like to match, we like to look professional. We somehow convince ourselves that if we have all the right equipment, if we look good, we will somehow be faster and more successful riders.
While working her way up the mountain, she was slowly but steadily passed by some guy in tennis shoes. He had a big long beard and did not look the part. His bike was an old clunker, but there he went, right past my friend and on to the top of the mountain.
How is this possible? He wasn't dressed right, he wasn't riding the best bike, and he didn't have the latest computer gadgets on board. How could someone like that ride so well?
This is such an important lesson for us. We often get the idea in our heads that if we just have the right kind of music, the most eloquent speakers, and top of the line technology, we will somehow be a better church. But having all the right "stuff" is not the key to spiritual success. Living the right life is the key. Submission to Jesus Christ in everything. Prayer in everything is the key to being a successful church.
The same is true in our personal lives. We don't have to have all the right "stuff" before we can be effective for the kingdom of God. You don't need a seminary degree. You don't need to know everything about the Bible. You just need to know Jesus. Trust Him, follow Him, and obey His commands.
Stop relying on having the right "stuff". Instead focus on doing the right thing.
1 comment:
What a surprise to find you in the blogosphere...congrats on the Master's Degree.
A challenging post. It is easy for us all to get caught up in extras and expectations and leave behind those things that are most important and most foundational in our walk with Christ.
This is not only true in our personal spiritual lives, but it is also true in our churches too. As you pointed out in one of your other postings reflecting on culture and your trip last year to Africa, we have to find ways of being relevant. However, I think we sometimes get so lost in "trying to be culturally relevant" that we miss the deeper issues.
Its not just a danger of "watering down the message," there is also a danger of missing what the message should actually be--"to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6).
Thanks again for your thoughts.
I look forward to keeping up with you, your family and your ministry through your blog.
Blessings my friend.
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