Skip to main content

don't pat me on the back

Why do we do what we do?  That is not always the easiest question to answer.  There are some things, if we are honest, that we do to be seen and recognized.  But if that is why we do what we do, we are in trouble.

I enjoy serving others.  That question is often asked.  There are people who thank our church and me very often, but let me make this pretty plain ... don't pat me on the back.

Yes.  I like to get the pat on the back and the thank you's and to be recognized, but the reason why The Community Fellowship serves our community is because that is what God called us to do.  That is the reason, and it really is that simply.  No other reason.  Yes, it does feel good.  Yes, it is fun and often a lot of work.  But serving people is a big deal.  And serving people so people we will see Jesus is the only real deal.  So, don't pat me on the back.

To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some.

"Watch out! Don't do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. When you give to someone in need, don't do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get.  But when you give to someone in need, don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.

That is clear.  Jesus said that we need to do all we do to honor God.  Not for me or my organization.  It is all for Him.  It is all about Him.

Tomorrow is the day when The Community will serve over 1,000 students through our back2school outreach event, and you have to know that I love this, am excited about it and totally humbled by it all.  So many people have come by the church or come up to me around town and patted me on the back.  Yet that is not why we step up to serve in such a huge way.

It is about the kids seeing God.  It is about the kids and their families hearing about real hope.  It is about these volunteer team members stepping out to serve God and share with others.  It is about each of us honoring God.

Don't pat me on the back.  Instead thank God for what He has done and is about to do.  

So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor.

Then the name of our Lord Jesus will be honored because of the way you live, and you will be honored along with him. This is all made possible because of the grace of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ.


 NOTE

 

Please pray for our back2school event: 1,078 students and their parents or caregivers who will come through our building, 225 plus volunteer team members who are serving, all of the items that will be shared (shoes, clothes, backpacks and school supplies), to be blessed and used well.  Pray for the other resources we still need (additional finances, hairdressers, food for volunteers, health and strength).  Our prayer is that students and their families will not just hear about God but find hope in Him.  Please pray for that to happen.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Catalyst ticket arrived

My ticket to the Catalyst Conference, in Atlanta Oct 8-10, just arrived. I'm excited!
10 comments
Read more

wash feet, sharing hope

  John 13:4-5,14 NLT  So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, 5 and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him… 14 And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. Jesus set the example we follow.  He served.  He valued and gave value to others.  That is why we choose to serve. For 18 years our church has shared an outreach called back2school, and for 16 of those years we have chosen to give students brand new shoes and socks as well as washing their feet.  It is one of the most important parts of this event. Washing feet is a humbling experience where both the give and the receiver learn how to share some moments that might change their lives.  Jesus said we should do this.  See the verse above.  Follow His example, do what He did, and give far more than you will ever know....
Post a Comment
Read more

Have you heard of EDITH BURNS?

Edith Burns was a wonderful Christian who lived in San Antonio, Texas . She was the patient of a doctor by the name of Will Phillips. Dr. Phillips was a gentle doctor who saw patients as people. His favorite patient was Edith Burns.  One morning he went to his office with a heavy heart and it was because of Edith Burns.  When he walked into that waiting room, there sat Edith with her big black Bible in her lap earnestly talking to a young mother sitting beside her.  Edith Burns had a habit of introducing herself in this way: "Hello, my name is Edith Burns.  Do you believe in Easter?" Then she would explain the meaning of Easter, and many times people would be saved.  Dr. Phillips walked into that office and there he saw the head nurse, Beverly. Beverly had first met Edith when she was taking her blood pressure. Edith began by saying,"My name is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?"  Beverly said, "Why yes I do."  Edith said, "Well, what do you ...
Post a Comment
Read more