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Message from Pastor Larry – November 2007
Dear Saints:
Oh my, we live in such a busy society! We thought technology would save us time, yet it’s proven to do the opposite. We can do more in a shorter period of time, so we jam every hour trying to accomplish all we can. Quotas (whether imposed from without, or from within) are raised in the effort to increase productivity. The advent of laptop computers, PDAs, and the like, means now that we can take our work with us wherever we go: to the deli, home, on vacation—wherever we choose. And along with the mobility of the office comes the pressure (whether from without, or from within) to be at the office.
Then there is the ever-growing list of extra-curricular activities, both for ourselves and our children. When we’re not at work (whether in the office or somewhere else on our laptop) we’re rushing to the gym at 6:30 in the morning or 7:00 at night, or hauling our kids to dance, or gymnastics, or soccer, or speed-skating, or... the list goes on. And yet, amazingly, we find the time to do the things we want to do—go to that bookstore, play, movie, concert, or sports event.
Amazingly, in a busy world where our lives are constantly pressed for time we somehow make the time to do what we want to do. I find that so incredible! Yet, when it comes to making time for church, many of us (sorry, Pastor) are just too busy; and if we do make the time we become anxious if the service goes over the allotted hour we've carved out for God.
I know I’m stepping on some toes, but please be assured that if I were not a pastor who gets paid to be at church someone could be stepping on my toes, too! You might find some comfort in knowing that from the earliest days of the church religious leaders struggled with members who were just too busy or lazy to attend worship on a regular basis. Just read this passage from Hebrews 10:24-25 and you'll see what I mean: "Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
Please don’t think that I’m trying to make you feel guilty. This isn't my intention—I promise. However, what I do hope to do by writing this article is to help you to rethink your priorities. What’s really important in life? Is it making that extra dollar? Is it pleasing the boss? Is it keeping up with the Jones? Is it having fun? Is it getting that extra hour or two of sleep? What’s really important?
I often hear people say a person can be a "good" Christian (whatever that means) without attending church. Hmmm, is that so? I recently came across the composition posted below and wanted to share it with you. It made me think about what’s really important. I hope it does the same for you.
Church is Like Sports
Football in the fall.
Basketball in the winter.
Baseball in the spring and summer.
This pastor has been an avid sports fan all his life.But I've had it! I quit this sports business once and for all.
You can’t get me near one of those places again.
Want to know why?
Every time I went, they asked me for money.The people with whom I had to sit didn't seem very friendly.
The seats were too hard and not at all comfortable.
I went to many games, but the coach never came to call on me.
The referee made a decision with which I could not agree.I suspected that I was sitting with some hypocrites —
they came to see their friends and what others were wearing rather than to see the game.
Some games went into overtime, and I was late getting home.
The band played some numbers that I had never heard before.It seems that the games are scheduled when I want to do other things.
I was taken to too many games by my parents when I was growing up.
I don’t want to take my children to any games, because I want
them to choose for themselves what sport they like best.
— Author UnknownSee you in church?
Faithfully,
Pastor Larry
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