Talking Point: The Weak Things
I was recently asked what I look for in a church. Assuming biblical integrity and Christian love are already at play, my response is always the same: I look for a church filled with the marginalized. I’ve discovered these kinds of churches overflow with faith-filled prayer, passionate worship, and live aware of the mercies of God.
Biblically, my reasoning is simple: when we look at Scripture we discover a God who pursues those crippled in life. In 1 Corinthians we read:
26 For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; 27 but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, 28 and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, 29 so that no man may boast before God.
Apparently, the Apostle looked at who was in the room with him and had a hard time finding people who had it all together. Then he blamed God! Then he glorified God.
For those whose ministries are filled with “the broken,” take heart! When it seems all the talent is in the church down the road, don’t complain. Build. Invest. Promote. So long as biblical integrity and Christian love are at play, you are in a place God is at work.
What we know from history is wherever this mindset permeates God’s people, the church advances. And for good reason! I’ve discovered Paul’s insight can lead to an attitude that, over time, becomes less critical of others, less concerned with leveraging the influential, and more at liberty to walk alongside people in their messiness. That’s attractive.
So here’s my encouragement: stop being afraid of broken people! If you are walking in the light, then God has placed them with you for a reason. Build. Invest. Promote. Then watch the Lord do what only He can do.
Jonathan L Garland, VP for Student Development
Recent Happenings:
ABC Tackled Seward!
Constitution Day:
2018 Pool Tournament:
Jamming with Glenn Kaiser:
Announcements:
Looking Ahead:
Menu
Sept. 24 - 28, 2018
Monday
Lunch: Hot Dogs, Chili
Dinner: Tater Tot Casserole
Tuesday
Lunch: Chicken Enchilada
Dinner: Taco Soup
Wednesday
Lunch: Deli Wraps
Dinner: Chicken, Rice
Thursday
Lunch: Grilled Cheese, Soup
Dinner: Beef - Tomato Sauce w/ Spaghetti
Friday
Lunch: Breakfast for Lunch
Dinner: Sloppy Joes
A Presidential Note:
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God. -Philippians 1:9-11
When we pursue excellence biblically, we will love well. The Apostle Paul mentions three amazing results from loving well:
1) We will be ready for His return-“pure and blameless...”
2) We will flourish with eternal fruit-“filled with fruit of righteousness”
3) We will fulfill our purpose-“to the glory and praise of God”
—Pursuing excellence means loving well and results in living well!
- President Dave Ley
Credits:
Created with images by Federica Galli - "untitled image"