A Message from Our Pastor: September 2013

Dear Church Family:

In the lectionary reading from Luke’s gospel assigned to Homecoming Sunday, September 8, 2013, we encounter the warning of Jesus to anyone who is thinking about following him to “count the cost” of discipleship. No one in their right mind would begin an ambitious building project without trying to figure out the expenses; nor would any reasonable person secure a loan without calculating the interest payments. We have regulations on the books designed to protect consumers from false advertising, and truth-in-lending laws that are supposed to protect borrowers from the biblical sin of usery. Logic tells us that, when the costs outweigh the benefits, it’s a bad deal. But logic also dictates that when the benefits outweigh the costs, that is a sure bargain.

What about your discipleship in our church? All things considered, are you getting a bad deal or a bargain? Only you can answer this question for yourself. What are your standards of measure when you weigh the cost of your discipleship? Do you ask, “What’s in it for me?” Or do you ask, “What’s in it for God? For others?” Our opening question will no doubt determine both the costs and the benefits. Whether we ask the question on behalf of God and others, might well determine whether we’re getting a bad deal . . . or a bargain. Jesus said, Whoever finds their life “What’s in it for me?”) will lose it; and whoever loses their life for the sake of the gospel (“What’s in it for God and others?”) will find life, life abundant. Weigh the costs! Weigh also the benefits!

Sometimes a task fails because the planners have no idea what they are getting into. The obstacles faced are beyond anything they could have imagined. But – the opposite is also true! Sometimes a task succeeds precisely because the planners have no idea what they are getting into. If they had known the obstacles they were facing, they never would have started!

What will the start-up of our new program year look like this September? Discipleship is risking business. We never know the hidden costs and benefits, which is why discipleship always begins with taking a leap of faith. In measuring only the risks, we tend to become too cautious. In measuring only the benefits, we tend to become too bold! We bring God into the picture only when we pray. In prayer we open ourselves to the wisdom of the ages, and allow God’s Spirit to move, guide, direct, protect, and bless us. All great enterprises begin, are sustained, and end in prayer! As we enter a new year of ministry together, may the first, ongoing, and ending business of our church . . . be prayer.

Anticipating a great year, in faith, hope and love,
Pastor Chuck