Monthly Summaries
In September 1975, I began “located preaching.” The elders of that congregation asked me to design and complete a form that I would use every month to summarize my work. I was to list how many bible studies I’d taught, the number of sermons preached, how many visits I’d made and separate those visits from “sick, non-member, unfaithful, faithful.” I could add any notes I chose to add that were deemed helpful to the eldership as they endeavored to lead that flock. After three years, I left there to work with another congregation, but this time it was my choice to complete such a detailed summary. Ten years later, we moved, and for the next nine years, continued the practice, though I was not asked to share it with the eldership. After that work, I worked eighteen years with yet another congregation. While I offered a summary, they never asked for one. Perhaps it was more my habit than their interest.
During that time, another preacher asked me why I offered such a summary, and I informed him it was just that -- a summary to show what I had done to earn their support. He asked, “Don’t you think that might make it hard for whoever follows you? You’re setting a precedent they might not be able to follow.” After that, I stopped the detailed summary. I’ve never desired to be the “best” of preachers; just a preacher who does his best.
Nowadays I write what is best described as a “financial summary” instead of a “summary of the month’s work.” I do this to remain very transparent with those who generously contribute to our financial needs as we focus on teaching Christ and Him crucified. Yes, it is scriptural to do so (see 1 Corinthians 9; Philippians 4: 10 – 14). Further, should any of those who help me financially determine they need to reduce or end that support, this summary indicates that decision and permits me to speak to the others as to whether the need continues.
My point is not to explain “monthly summaries” as a means of “invoicing” my activities. Instead, I would desire each of us to consider how God would view our works and labors of love for His name’s sake (Hebrews 6:10). Such a summary must not be a “brag sheet” but instead a comprehensive listing of activities that have been rendered exclusively for God’s kingdom, the church. What if you kept a record of just your activities for a month? Would the results surprise you or disappoint you? Now, what does GOD think of your labors?
Only God Can Make a Thunderstorm
This past week has been a stormy week! As I write today, the distinct sound of thunder rumbles, getting louder and more frequent as the dark clouds approach, lightning flashes, and the impending storm nears us. Most of you know my love for storms. This week has been fantastic for watching them! From midnight to 3:00 last Tuesday morning, it was a beautiful sight! Then Tuesday afternoon, I got to witness another storm. Wednesday afternoon didn’t disappoint, and just now on Thursday, it’s a “toad strangler!” As a dear friend used to say, “Only God can make a thunderstorm!”
Some of us have endured some very strong storms! We could all share stories of the “worst ever” and yet someone would endeavor to top that story. So many fear storms, and for good reason! Electric storms as they were called, tornados, blizzards, and even heat-wave storms cause damage; sometimes damage that is fatal to more than animals. Still, only God can make a thunderstorm.
Isn’t it strange how we often relate the torrents of life to “storms?” There’s no question that such turmoil causes damage to the family, and can involve friends, co-workers, and brethren! Unlike God’s storms, these upheavals are not “natural” but are man-made. Without exception, these storms come as the result of sin, and an unwillingness to repent. Even if repentance does come, the damage is done and will leave an undeniable scar. Yet, if the repentance is genuine, and souls are truly forgiven of their stormy actions, God forgives (1 John 1: 5 – 10). It’s then we need to look for the rainbow of God’s promise. After all, just as only God can make a thunderstorm, only God can make a rainbow!
It has been only thirty minutes or so since the most recent storm arrived, and already it has decreased its intensity. The air smells so clean and fresh, and the grass looks greener. (It might have grown higher as well. It has been too wet to mow this week!) That’s the most beautiful difference between God’s storms and man’s: God always leaves things improved, though, at times, it might require some physical labor on our part to clean up the damage. That’s not always the case when man storms about something! Often, that damage can never be corrected! And, unlike God’s storms, who in their right mind would want to watch a man-made storm of life? Isn’t more comforting and exciting to see love among us? Maybe that’s the reason for Ephesians 4:26. Read it and see.