Friday, October 19

A slap heard across the classroom

"The LORD confides in those who fear Him; He makes His covenant known to them." Psalm 25:14 (NIV)

Last night, the facillator for the class I'm taking over at NorthRidge spoke to me matter-of-factly (as is her perchance to do) and asked me why I am asking everyone else what God said to me. As Billy Graham once said, "God said it, I believe it, and that settles it." That hasn't been the standard for me lately as it builds and builds into a cosmic ping-pong match.

God called me to ministry over three years ago. And each step since has been with that pursuit in mind. Oh, I'm not perfect in my marriage because I'm still working with the Spirit on that. Oh, I am considered poor by many secular standards and have been in binds several times over the last two years. I have other issues I deal with from time to time that I rely on friends and partners to hold me accountable for.

Funny thing. I don't want to be one of those leaders in ministry that is hidden. My life, my faults, MY BROKENNESS, is available for all to see. You don't have to like it, you don't have to listen or read it. You don't even have to agree with it. I'm accountable for one person's approval, and that's God. And all He requires is that I love Him with all my heart and soul and mind which leads me to obedience, trust, and faith in the direction He takes me and calls me to go.

It just seems funny to me that the Church today will not point to the standards GOD Himself set, but will allow human decision to come into God's house. The Church is not ours, our pastors, or even the saints who have willed their life insurance for......the Church has a leader, an owner, and a mission.

It's time that the Leaders today deal with that.

And realize who they are accountable to.

My thoughts
Jim