DOES IT MATTER?

While doing laundry this morning I came across a book I haven't picked up for years. This is a book on leadership, business, or life in general. It's not necessarily a spiritual book. Yet oddly enough, this book was recommend by my church. Not only was it recommended, it was turned into a sermon series on living. Not only that, but it was made a part of leadership development/training. What book was this, Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey.

I've read this book multiple times over. I think in some ways I figured if I could just memorize the principles of the book I'd be a better person. I'd be "Effective." Yet, as I look at all the resources of time, money, effort, and promotion placed into this book and program I'm wondering if it mattered? I'm wondering if it was effective? And if it was effective, was it effective at the stated aim? Please understand that I think it's a great book. I think if one can follow it they may find more success in life. But does it matter concerning a life of faith? Does it build up the Kingdom of God? Are souls saved?

I'm not just asking this question about this book. I'm asking these questions about much of the activity of our church today. When I look at the concerts, the building projects, the conferences, etc...etc...does any of this matter toward really building people in the Faith? Or, is it just business? Are we just doing things to fill the time?

These questions matter a great deal. Some activity is assumed to be a part of church activity. Such things as gyms, kitchens, schools, and what not are often seen as goals that judge effectiveness. I ask, are we just chasing society, common church culture, and wasting time? It may sound critical and mean. That is not my intention. Any one of these issues is not bad or negative. However, if we provide the community with entertainment and service, but no life changing Gospel what is the point?

What may be worse is the fact that in all of our efforts it's obvious that we are not making disciples. People of the faith don't know what they believe. They don't know why they believe. They have no sense of purpose in God's Kingdom. There is a clear break in Christian development and leadership succession. Such things require intimate time. This is where the dirty work is done. You can't just throw money at discipleship. You have to engage on a personal level. You have to be transparent and available.

As the word says, Iron sharpens Iron. In order for that to take place one has to be close. I'm asking that we examine our activities in the Church. I'm hoping we will move away from this corporate model of business we've been chasing and return to the model of the Master. One of love, friendship, protector.....a Shepherd. Whatever your activities, ask yourself does it matter?

DESIRE

I remember reading in a book by Larry Crabb in grad school called, THE SAFEST PLACE ON EARTH. The curriculum required that we reflect on our readings and its impact on us. There was a part of the book that stood out to me where Crabb spoke about desire and how our appetites can be insatiable. I could relate to that then and I most certainly can relate to it now.

I have a few desires that seem to be incredibly powerful and difficult to overcome. These things are found in the area of food, sex, and passion (passion being outburst of anger). In some ways I think that the issue of food and sex are particularly difficult because these things were created for our pleasure and enjoyment. Like most things, they were created with a context for enjoyment. It's staying within the context that seems to be the problem.

I love food. I strongly hold to the belief that food and taste are gifts from God and ought to be enjoyed. I shall not deny His goodness. Problem is, I tend to enjoy that goodness to the point of unhealthy living. Moderation is tough. Per my doctor and high blood pressure I need to lose some lbs. Yet, it's tough when you have a ferocious passion for good eatin'. Although I work out regularly I struggle to drop the pounds. In the past I could say it was ok because I was full of muscle. That's not the case anymore and my HBP is evidence of the situation.

Sex is another great love of mine. Women are a great love of mine. The combination of the two are deadly dangerous. I believe in abstinance. I believe that sex is to be enjoyed in the context of marriage. At the same time I know the spirit is willing and the flesh is weak. I think the flesh is particularly weak when you have experienced sex in the context of marriage and that context is removed from you. The transition from married and active to single and celibate is a massive struggle.

It is in times like this that I ask for God's strength and the power to overcome. I also ask for God's mercy because I know the battle is not always won. There are other desires that I know must be confronted. These issues are front and center. There are strategies that can be employed to combat these issues. I believe they are effective...not foolproof. Accountability is big. Avoidence is good too. A plan of action for escape and alternatives is helpful as well. I use these. Sometimes I win. Sometimes I lose. Cursed be these desires!