FROM THE PASTOR
March 25, 2018
I went to a local sporting goods store in Kalamazoo this week to purchase my 2018 fishing license. It’s not a new place for me. In fact, I’ve had numerous dealings with them over the last few years. I bought my boat there and they store it over the winter for me. One aspect of this particular store that frustrates me though is the clerks at the service desk. On several occasions I have left with the distinct impression that my purchase was an inconvenience to them. As representatives of the store, such attitudes leave a poor impression of the store as a whole even though the clerks are the minority of contacts.
Yes, I know, why do I go back? If the store wasn’t so convenient and the floor people friendly and knowledgeable, I wouldn’t. That experience this week though, combined with a verse from last Sunday’s message, started me reflecting on how our actions and attitudes as Christians reflect on our Lord.
The verse from last week was… the words that stuck with me I’ve boldened below…
2 Timothy 4:1-2 (NASB)
1 I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom:
2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.
I was at the Associational Executive Board meeting this week. One of the Pastor’s made a comment that he is concerned that in our Christian witnessing we may be responding too harshly when discussing issues, we’re at odds with. He was not suggesting that we soften our stand or compromise. His suggestion was that we should consider the tone with which the TRUTH is being shared.
Paul cautioned Timothy…
2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.
The Solomon wrote these two pearls of wisdom…
Proverbs 15:1 (NASB)
1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.
and…
Proverbs 25:15 (NASB)
15 By forbearance a ruler may be persuaded, And a soft tongue breaks the bone.
Listen, I know it’s tough to stand firm in a world that takes no prisoners. Our ability as Christians to keep our cool in the midst of the storm though is imperative to the sharing of the Gospel of our Lord. Yes, we are to reprove (has to do with the mind and means to refute error), and rebuke (has to do with the heart and means to bring a person to repentance). The first discloses the sinfulness of sin and the second discloses the sinfulness of the sinner. But the way we do it is as important as if it’s done. God’s Word is clear we are to share with great patience.
We should always remember that the Lord is our example as He daily exercises great patience and instruction with us. Only then does our actions reflect Christ.
Thank you for your faithfulness. Pastor Larry
