Having Your Cake and Eating it Too

The “man on the street” poll can present a confusing look at what people really believe. Opinions concerning everything from political issues to the dynamics of church leadership fluctuate wildly, depending upon how a specific issue touches a person’s life. Most think taxes should be cut, however the majority also oppose reducing government entitlements and programs. In regard to church activities, many think the expenses of additional church staff is unnecessary, however they also clamor for more bible studies, better music, and elaborate and exciting youth and children’s departments. As a rule, issues never seem important unless they somehow personally touch us. This duplicity can be attributed to the horrible “having your cake and eat it too” syndrome (HCET)

It has occurred to me, as a non-professional, that the American Psychiatric Association should identify and name this dreaded disease so it can be treated. Perhaps giving it a clinical name, such as HCET, could be a first step for government funding -- setting up treatment centers in all major U.S. cities. Imagine the difficulties in treating this insidious disease: HCET patients requiring medication refuse to ingest it because of the yucky taste; they seek counseling, but won't talk about it; make appointments for treatment, but ignore doctor’s orders. This horrific situation cries for medical and government intervention!

The work of ministry often falls victim to the dreaded HCET rationale. There is only one cure that seems credible to me – accurate information about the church and its mission. Christ’s charge to disciple people requires a very personal analysis and involvement. Churches in every part of the world share the responsibility. Christians do not have the option of celebrating the call one day, then refusing to get involved the next. The divine mission of the church is our raison d'être – it is making disciples.

The great cause of discipleship is often maligned by Johnny-one-notes -- vocal and narrow thinking believers that see “foreign missions” to be the only discipelship focus. A balanced perspective sees Global outreach as part of our service to God, but there are also compelling reasons to focus on local ministry. The church needs to impact its own community before it dare think it can be effective elsewhere. The local church should be about the business of raising up leaders, teaching and training them to be good citizens of this kingdom, as well as heaven’s. If the process isn’t there, neither will evidence of authentic outreach exist at home or overseas.

The entirety of Jesus ministry was focused on preparing his congregation (disciples) for turning the world upside down. The key to His success can be found in His process of preparation - pouring his life into those few that would carry on the work after his departure. Paul understood the process clearly. He instructs Timothy in his second letter to the young minister: “Teach these great truths to trustworthy people who are able to pass them on to others.”

As you read this article, you may have recognized your own unique case of HCET syndrome – areas of your leadership may be listless and unproductive. HCET may have even ravaged your entire family and church. There is help and healing. If we boldly embrace the purpose and mission for our lives as leaders, God will miraculously treat our debilitating malady. As we courageously embark on the journey, faith will administer its own healing and energizing power. HCET syndrome - be gone!

Possess the Land

The descendents of Joseph came to Joshua with a complaint. It went something like this: "we need more room for our families, do something about our problem."

Joshua took their issue under consideration and came back with a solution. He recommended that since they were such a vast and prosperous people, they should go ahead and drive out the inhabitants and expand their boundaries. Ignoring the challenge, they came back again with the same complaint: "We are not powerful enough to do that... give us more land."

So in an act of conciliation and wise leadership, Joshua gave them an incentive to become warriors - he designated more territory as officially theirs. The catch was that they still needed to clear the heavily wooded areas and drive out the inhabitants that lived there.

It was the Valley of Jezreel that they really wanted - it was their destiny. It was a fertile land at the base of the mountains in which they were living. But Joshua refused to rally the army of Israel to clear that area of the enemy for them. The prospering clans of Ephraim and Manasseh would need to rise to the occasion and get it done on their own.

The unfortunate story is that they never had the courage to fully embrace their destiny - they were content to live in the mountains. It wasn't until David's monarchy that Israel finally realized the bounty of the fertile area God had given to Israel.

The lesson seems to speak to us as Christian leaders. We can not be content to merely hack out an existence in the mountains - spend our energy clearing trees and brush. The fertile valley awaits our cultivation, but we are required to embrace our destiny with courage and resolve. We must become warriors!

Our families, our communities, indeed the world is watching and waiting to see us bring the bounty of God's kingdom to our world. It is not the bounty of a physical inheritance as with Israel, but the delightful and fulfilling fruit the Spirit grows within the soil of the human heart, a land in desperate need of cultivation. (Joshua 17:14-17)

Worship with Excellence

Responding to God is our worship, whether it be in song, speech, or action. It may be the result of a fresh revelation, unexpected blessing, or simply acknowledging His lordship in our lives; worship is nothing more or less than our personal response to God.

For Christian leaders, worship takes on a unique dynamic. Standing in the pulpit, overseeing a staff of ministers, writing, ministering to others.... it is all a response to some level of revelation about God's plan and calling for those they are leading. For the minister, worship comes through communicating the epiphany he has received - an incredible privilege and responsibility.

For more than anyone else, a leader is called to express worship with humility and excellence. It must be with humility because of the revelation's divine origin, and with excellence because the message or action must exactly replicate what was received. Every event in the leader's day can be a powerful opportuinty for worship. Even church business meetings can become quite sacred - a time to explore and communicate "the plan and strategy" for establishing God's Kingdom on earth.

In reading 1 Chronicles, I was inspired by the ministry descriptions given to the priests and other members of the Levi family. The various family groups were called and commissioned to present a facet of the sacrificial worship experience to Israel, and they wholly committed themselves to the highest possible level of perfection. It was not a "who would like to do this or that for God." The delegated task, whether priestly, managerial, musical, or military was viewed as an act of worship and approached with nothing less than extensive training, coupled with a passion for excellence.

The musical expression of worship wasn't lead by mediocre musicians... the singing wasn't directed by "someone" who enjoyed music. The musicians were all highly trained professionals (1Chronicles 25:7). The gatekeepers weren't folks who just happened to be hanging out near the tabernacle entrance area - gatekeepers were highly trained with expertise and passion for doing whatever gatekeepers did at the house of the Lord (1Chronicles 26:12-19).

Given Christianity's roots in Judaism, I doubt that Paul settled for anything less than excellence from those he placed in leadership in his churches. He recognized that giftedness and effectiveness go hand in hand, and Paul was adamant about the need for people to understand and walk in their gifts.

It is a challenge for everyone in leadership. Are we still passionate about communicating the epiphany that once captured and inspired us? Is our staff passionate about excellence in ministry? Do our sermons, teachings, business meetings, and leadership opportunities exhibit anything less than our greatest and grandest efforts in worship?