Our First Love
Keeping His Lamp-Stand
Sometimes I can’t express my words properly, so forgive me if this is the case,
But for a while, in all sincerity, I thought it was about how many doors we knocked on, mail-outs we purchased, gospel meetings we held, seminars, workshops, debates we engaged in, keynote speakers we brought in, threads we flooded, platforms we administered, youth programs we created, lectures we attended, and evil men we exposed. And there’s no inherently devious plot found in those efforts. They may even be necessary in season. They may even comfort and encourage. But at what expense? Losing our first love? (Rev. 2:5-6). God forbid. If we’re too preoccupied with those who don’t think they need a physician, we miss the opportunities from those who do. Discerning the soil is most important. Wisdom that can come through profound pain. Or, pure joy.
But in the end, it was simply having pure members. Walking by faith each day. Brethren who God providentially blessed with increase. Co-workers, community friendships, online material, guests, and fellow saints withdrawing from locations that had since lost their lamp stand. We work together. We are united. Be hospitable and agreeable. Share faith and food in a kind, welcoming way. Become all things to all men. Allow patience to pave a path for the recipient of the Word. Don’t dwell on every small detail or be a fault-finder. Suffer long. Give the person time. Sit in a small living room with open Bibles. Be human. Have courage. If the heart is humble, it will seek to learn and learn to know. The corporate mind may enhance the treasury, and such use may be beneficial. However, the simple heart functions on the widow’s mite. Do not focus on the ocean when the sand calls for individual attention. Faithful retention rate is most important. Value spiritual assets, not liabilities. Getting someone wet is easier than keeping them built and edified. Avoid self-righteous, divisive pride; it fills the body with discord. Pray more. Honour His Majesty’s Kingship.
* It must have been quite the challenge for Moses to lead his people through the waters. Facing such an amount of precision and responsibility can seem overwhelming, but it can be done if Christ is head.
We meet together three to four times per week, sometimes even five. We are truly friends and family. We hang out. We text each other. We talk about more than the weather. We study. We worship. We evangelize. We have activities together. We laugh. We weep. We check in on each other. We confess our sins and share our fears, strengths, and weaknesses. We do not seek to condemn. We change where change is necessary. We forgive. We help all in need. Have good repute in the community. We are personally involved. We are servants trying our best to minister where God calls us.
“For you WERE
like sheep going ASTRAY,
but have now RETURNED
to the Shepherd
and Overseer
of your SOULS.”
Stay focused. Stay positive. You are loved. You are appreciated. You have purpose in life. Through the Spirit’s formula, your children will return. Put in the effort, selfless sacrifice. May you be strengthened and blessed always.
Your servant,
SM