JUNE 16 & 17, 2007
For today's installment of my Messages About Purpose and Strategy, I expect to tick you off. I don't actually want to offend anyone, but my topic is about as unpopular Christmas fruitcake. I know I'll ruffle some feathers by harping today on punctuality. It means something still. It communicates something important. Being on time says you value the people who would otherwise be waiting. By the way, if this seems like an indictment against you, I know that I have a personal problem with being on time and I'm getting worse, not better! I'm sorry for becoming lax in my punctuality and I really want to discipline myself to change.
I've heard it said that there is only one thing wrong with finally becoming punctual: there is no one there to congratulate you!
We want to honor God by leading people to follow Christ. Jesus said our chief means of leadership is to set an example. Now, imagine being a visitor and walking into one of our services on time and seeing only a few dozen people rattling around in a room that seats nearly a thousand. If you awkwardly slide into a chair, you'll find the place filling up over the next 15 or 20 minutes. I guess Dayspring folks don't take meeting with God very seriously. Is that what our practices convey?
How is it that we have become so casual? I like being part of a church that recognizes the value of using contemporary styles to demonstrate relevance. But what happened to reverence? We worship God! Our services are worship services. I want to be on time when I come before the King of Kings! Let's encourage each other toward excellence in all things for God's sake. This involves the sacrifice of getting ready and being here on time. I'll try; how about you?
I've heard it said that there is only one thing wrong with finally becoming punctual: there is no one there to congratulate you!
We want to honor God by leading people to follow Christ. Jesus said our chief means of leadership is to set an example. Now, imagine being a visitor and walking into one of our services on time and seeing only a few dozen people rattling around in a room that seats nearly a thousand. If you awkwardly slide into a chair, you'll find the place filling up over the next 15 or 20 minutes. I guess Dayspring folks don't take meeting with God very seriously. Is that what our practices convey?
How is it that we have become so casual? I like being part of a church that recognizes the value of using contemporary styles to demonstrate relevance. But what happened to reverence? We worship God! Our services are worship services. I want to be on time when I come before the King of Kings! Let's encourage each other toward excellence in all things for God's sake. This involves the sacrifice of getting ready and being here on time. I'll try; how about you?
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