Happy Saturday everyone. I hope that you have had a good week. As always, it has been an active week in the life of the church. Discipleship with the children on Tuesday evening, discipleship with the youth on Wednesday evening, helping with teacher appreciation at Comanche and Shawanoe, worship team practice, worship night on Friday night, small groups and Bible studies, and other ministry opportunities throughout the week. Thank you to all that are doing so much to impact lives with the Gospel message. It is encouraging to serve with those that are truly seeking to become fully devoted followers of the Lord Jesus Christ.
I ran by the local McDonald’s the one morning because I was in desperate need of a coffee. My K-Cup brewer had decided that that was a great morning to malfunction and not perform the singular task for why it exists on this planet. Seriously, if you only have one job to do you should do it with excellence. Anyway, I pulled up to the drive thru window wondering what kind of vile brew would be handed to me. Much to my surprise, the young lady looked at what was left in the pot and said, “I don’t want to serve that to you. Would you mind waiting so I could make some fresh coffee for you?” Wow, I was pleasantly surprised. Here was a person that cared about the quality of the product she was serving. Based on my many years of leading people, I can predict that she will be a success in what she seeks to do. I gave her some encouragement before I drove away with my fresh cup of coffee, thankful that she was willing to take the extra effort to do a job well. I remember when Michelle and I had been interacting with one of the cashiers at our local Neighborhood Market. He was a senior in high school, and a hard worker with great people skills. Whenever we got the chance, we would try to get into his line. After observing him a few times, I told him my observations and encouraged him that he could be a success in whatever he chose to pursue. As you are aware, it isn’t like that everywhere you go. Therefore, when you find a person that is seeking to do something well it really stands out.
I remember being on a mission trip a long time ago. We were working very hard on a building project. It was hot, sweaty, and challenging on that particular day. Then, one of the people on the trip used an expression that you hear a lot of the time in the workplace. He said, “Good enough for who it’s for.” Even though I had heard that many times when I was in the construction business, it really caught my attention that day. Good enough for who it’s for? Well, since we were on a mission trip there was a direct correlation with Who it was for. We were building something to be used for the glory and honor of the Lord. Therefore, doing good enough to get by was probably not the best standard to apply to this project. However, if you think about it, that is true of everything that we set out to do. Sure, many people have a vague idea that the stuff that are doing for the church or in ministry should be done with excellence. Sadly, that is not always the case. Through the years, I have heard that expression or ones similar to it used on other mission trips, work projects at the church, outreach events, etc. Other times it is not what it said but what is seen that reveals the heart of the matter.
I am thankful for a church, a group of people, that understand the importance of serving the Lord as best as they can. Our church is planted in a difficult area. We are intentionally a multi-ethnic church. The ministry that we do can be challenging and wearisome. It is at those times we need to remember that “good enough” is not an option. God’s Word instructs us that whatever you do…do it as unto the Lord. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. May God continue to bless and guide each of you as you seek to live your lives for His glory and honor.
Just one thing: Live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ (Philippians 1:27).
And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him (Colossians 3:17).
Lovethe Lord your Godwith all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind,and with all your strength…Love your neighboras yourself.There is no other command greater than these (Mark 12:30-31).
Love God, love others, impact our community, change the world. We are Community Impact Church.
From our neighborhoods to the nations,
Pastor Larry
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