Pastor's Pen
Ah, Spring! The leaves are unfurling from their branches, the grass is turning green, and while love might not be in the air, pollen sure is! The warmer temperatures cause us to refuel our lawn mowers, sharpen the hedge trimmers, clean up the garden tools and bring out the power washers to finally rid ourselves of this past winter weather. We get out our fishing gear, dust off all the baseball and softball equipment, inspect the boat, the water skis, the inflatable rafts and tubes, and make sure all the golf clubs and bags are fully equipped with enough balls, tees, and the like. We clean up the grill, make sure we have enough burgers, hot dogs, ribs, and chicken to have a great opening party. Once all these things are done we are certain that this is going to be a great summer!
As I read over the list I am certain I forgot something. Let’s see:
Yard and garden ready? Check House and garage and walkways all power-washed? Check Tools, boat, sporting equipment, golf clubs, and boat ready? Check Grill ready, full tank of propane, food being prepared? Check Ready to take on summer full blast? Check
Nope, I think I got it all. I am ready for summer.
But I still think you forgot one thing. Where does God and church fit into your summer equation?
I hear it all the time. People tell me that as a pastor I cannot expect everyone to drop their summer schedule just to take time out and come to church. Who does that anymore anyway? Right?
Job 8:11-14 (11) Can the papyrus grow up without a marsh? Can the reeds flourish without water? (12) While it is yet green and not cut down, It withers before any other plant. (13) So are the paths of all who forget God; And the hope of the hypocrite shall perish (14) Whose confidence shall be cut off, And whose trust is a spider’s web. (Highlights mine)
Where will your path take you this summer? As the pandemic begins to lessen and the restrictions begin to loosen in our communities, I hope you get the opportunity to get out and enjoy the warm weather and all the good things that it provides. Just don’t forget The One who made the warm weather and gave you the means to enjoy those good things.
Pastors and church workers enjoy those things as well, but many seem to throw out their godly priorities as soon as warm weather appears. Don’t be like the papyrus in Job 8. Be more like the man in Psalm 1 whose delight, in any season, is the law of the Lord and in that law he meditates day and night.
Enjoy the great weather and as things begin to return to a “new normal” don’t leave God out of your plans. Continue to be faithful to your Creator and to your church body and watch how you will be blessed this spring and summer. And, in the meantime, have that grilling out party. I like my cheeseburger medium rare with onions and mustard please.
Dr. Chuck Wilson Pastor,
Carrollton Bible Chapel