November 2013 - Steadfastness

If you didn’t read the front of the bulletin this month either because you skipped past it or because you are reading this pondering online, then let me repeat the verse that is there: “Now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13)

We live in a disposable society.  Very little concern is given to what remains.  Yes, there is a large ecological movement concerned with the earth remaining around for a long while, but at the same time the people of the world develop cars, computers, cameras, contacts and companions that are easily thrown away.  Very little seems built to last and we focus on the immediate.

It is not like that with God.  God’s character and nature reflect eternality, endurance, faithfulness and steadfastness.  God created the earth and all that is in it, including mankind, with the intention that it all should stand forever.  Man threw it away.  However, even after that, God pressed forward with the intention that there should be a Kingdom with man in it that should never end.

“Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever.  The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.” (Isaiah 9:7)

So, the challenge for us as a church is to co-labour with God in building things that will remain.  It is interesting that Paul would write about faith, hope and love after spending significant time looking at the spiritual gifts.  Our hearts (even mine) can be attracted towards focussing on the gifts and signs and wonders and miracles but Paul’s heart was focussed on what remains.  Don’t get me wrong: he does say to earnestly desire spiritual gifts.  It’s a question of lasting character in the midst of fleeting moments of spiritual manifestation.

I’ve been at this church for fourteen years.  Some are part of this body who have been here longer.  Some have not been here as long but have committed themselves to the work of God in this place.  I applaud your steadfastness of faith, hope and love.  We are not simply building for an immediate gratification but a lasting legacy.  I encourage us all to keep building toward a church where God’s glorious presence is so evident that healing and transformation happen not simply for a moment but for generations; not simply for a hundred or so people on a Sunday but for thousands in our community and around the world.

Journeying with you,

Merril