It’s time to get dirty

Last Sunday my pastor spoke about the vision of our church. This is a topic he holds dear to his heart and speaks on it frequently. I agree with the idea he has of keeping that topic at the forefront of our time together. He always has a different twist to this topic. Today he stated that our church’s vision is to get out side the walls and go on a man hunt for people we know do not have a personal relationship with God. The mission for that manhunt is to do what we can to help them develop that relationship. The best way to do that is to develop a relationship with them. It is much easier to lead someone that trusts you than a stranger. As you can see that is a goal we all should share. Since I have heard several messages on the vision of our church I want to bring several thoughts I have been carrying around together at this time. As I stated before we will have a better chance of helping someone we have a stronger relationship with than someone we just happened to spot through the plate glass window of a restaurant. But if it is someone that does not have a relationship with God then it is going to take some work. You know that to help someone that doesn’t have that special relationship you may have to get into it up to your elbows. A roll up your sleeves and get to work kind of attitude. When you roll up your sleeves and get into something up to your elbows you are going to get dirty. Why are you going to get dirty? Because people, all people, live lives that are dirty. All the problems and bad decisions and just plain stupid stuff they do us dirty. There has only been one man to walk the earth and live a clean life. Jesus! Now keep this in mind, when you are helping someone deal with life’s issues it is going to get dirty. You must be willing to stay with them through thick and thin. Most times things will get worse before they get better. Why? Everyone will go through that stage when they want to straddle the fence. They will choose to follow God and do the things they know aren’t right. It is so hard to give up good friends or things you like or like to do. What ever the issue this stage will raise its ugly head. There may be less of an addictive behavior in this stage but more times than not this stage will be repeated so many times you may want to walk away. What would have happened if Jesus had walked away. Nothing! These things don’t happen over night. Another thing, you must be willing to accept is to be there after everything in the plan has fallen into place. Suppose you are successful in building a relationship with someone, they put that trust in you and you get them to church. Wow, you are doing great, but you aren’t done yet. Remember, you are in for the duration. God has a plan for you and you must follow it through. It isn’t over just because God has entered their life or they have started following the path God has placed before them. You are a leader. You may have to hold their hand like a young child learning to walk. It starts with assisted baby steps and over time they begin to balance themselves better. It may take a long period of time before they are running and you can’t keep up with them. The dirt does not go away. Over time they will not be as dirty and you will not get as dirty and you will learn you have developed a relationship that is longer than life. I will probably expand more since I only dealt with one topic.

Just a side note, Relay For Life is nest week. Be there or be square. Our band will be on stage sometime between 11:30 pm 5/16 and 1:00 am 5/17. If you happen to get your nap in and can drag yourself out that late at night I’d love to see you there. We plan to rock the house.