What Have We Become?

I trust you've had a great day. Mine was put into perspective during today's service... on the story of Ananias & Saphira.

It's an interesting, one as the pastor who preached it noted, highlights that there are stories of God's holiness highlighted in the New Testament that is filled with grace, just as there are moments of grace in the Old Testament that is full of God holiness.  

In addition though, it's a story of unnecessary deception. An interesting topic to walk away from, feeling a slight sense of conviction. So, as it pertains to the project, a point of confession. I didn't write Friday's post. Nor Saturday's for that matter. I could post date it and, sadly, have done so in the past. My justified reasoning for missing Friday could include a 14+ hour workday, but nobody cares. And by the time I meant to write yesterday's... well, regardless.

Here it is Sunday, and just how effective are we in ministry?

Well, of the numerous, profound statements that I took down in my notes, this one stands out, as a perspective to the question of the church's effectiveness.

The church should not be filled with people who are happy about calling out one's wrong-doings.

Pastor explained, that when Peter talked with Saphira, he was giving her an opportunity to come clean about the matter. And when she didn't, Peter doesn't give his reply as a statement of power and condemnation... "the men who carried out your husband stand at the door to carry you out!" No. Peter's words are full of sadness and sorrow. "I hate to be the bearer of bad news... "This conversation was totally avoidable, as was the very nature of the circumstance for that matter." But this is your fate...

It makes you wonder, just how accurate and staggering, the statistic is, of people who have been more turned off towards God because of the people who occupy the church, rather than God and His word. Case in point? How often we forget that a simple act of kindness can display God's great power. All too often, we get caught on waiting for God to do the miraculous while someone is waiting for help with the electric bill. But because we don't help their need, then words and expectations are of little value to those we are trying to reach.

As a result, the rate of effectiveness diminishes. Because we don't properly balance the call for holiness with the opportunity for grace. Because we hold out for great displays of God's power and miss the opportunity for a simply act of kindness. For none of us know what will be the proof, that God is real and that He cares.

So, on this #effectiveSunday, a very simple prayer. Pray that we would be people of truth, people of kindness and people of holiness. May we be happy to be extenders of grace, rather than condemning judges.

For the glory of God alone.
And the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

ps: I finally settled on a title, after writing this post and now I have DC Talk's song by the same title, stuck in my head.