Sunday is Mother’s Day and our minds will become photo albums filled with precious memories. Some of those memories are in color others are in black and white. A crowded kitchen or dinning room overflowing with children and grandchildren, mom running back and forth refusing to sit down until she is satisfied that everyone has what they need, may need, or could possibly ever want!
There are pictures of a tired, battle-worn mom asleep in the chair in the wee hours of the morning cradling a sick child. There is that picture of mom fighting back the tears because that child, who just yesterday colored the wall with that permanent marker and ate out of the dog’s bowl, is today walking down the aisle to be joined in marriage to another. For others the scene is a family gathered about a graveside, bidding farewell to the one who brought them into the world. Our minds will be filled with memories with stories of tragedy and triumph and our hearts will be full. The common thread running through them all is mom.
While I think it is a bit overstated, I understand the sentiments of the evangelist Billy Sunday. Sunday said, “Give a boy a godly mother and any old stick will due for a dad.” It would be hard to “overestimate” the influence that mothers have had on the history of the world. Don’t forget to take time to tell mom you love her. Gifts are nice. Flowers are appreciated. But let’s face it…you’re what she really wants. A little time, some appreciation, a hug that’s priceless.
Do you remember when the Rich Young Ruler approached Jesus about the means to eternal life? He asked, “Good teacher what must I do to be saved?” Jesus answered him, “Why do you call me good? There is only one who is good.” Too often I’ve brushed right past that. There is only one who is good. I’d have to add to that the fact that He is always good. I know that. I mean I accept it intellectually. I affirm it as a doctrinal statement. It is my confession. But is it a living truth. Is it a truth that works itself out in my daily life? In times of heartache and trial, in the midst of trouble and strife am I still confessing, “He is good?”
It is one thing to confession the goodness of God when all is well and quite another to still be making that confession when all hell breaks loose. It’s easy to confess the goodness of God when everything is to my liking but what about when I don’t get my way? What about when dreams are crushed and my hopes go unfulfilled? He is still good and I need to continue to profess that He is good.
I came across a Puritan prayer making this confession. It has become my prayer and I hope it becomes yours: “Thou art all my good in times of peace, my only support in days of trouble, my one sufficiency when life shall end. Help me to see how good thy will is in all, and even when it crosses mine teach me to be pleased with it…”
I should have known when I saw that crowd on a Sunday night. Nothing gathers a crowd like the chance to embarrass and humiliate the pastor! To think that I’m loved enough that you would “spare every expense” in recognizing the occasion of my 50th birthday is overwhelming. The thoughtfulness expressed in your gifts of vitamins, pain pills and other expressions of my aged and decrepit condition where heartwarming. I have so many to thank…of course due to my advanced age I can’t remember who they are, so I’ll just say thanks to all of you.
I was so grateful we all got to watch me age in the video. The likeness to Barney Fife was striking wasn’t it? Most shocking to some was that image of me with a shovel in my hand, “…the pastor…working? Unbelievable!” Not to mention the fashion history – hair, glasses, plaid shorts. Then there was that touching moment when I was given a certificate proclaiming that I was officially a Keenager.
It was a wonderful evening and I really do appreciate your thoughtfulness. As I said Sunday evening, I’m grateful that “church family” is not just a cliché but is an accurate and true expression of our life together. Rheadon and I are blessed to have had the privilege of raising our children in the church we grew up in. You are our family and we love you very much.
What images or word pictures come to your mind when you hear the word, “church”? How do you view the church? How important is the church to you? When you think about your faith do you think first and foremost about your “personal” faith and experience? Do you think primarily about how things affect you and then think of the church? Is the church essential or is it secondary? These are important questions because consciously or unconsciously they have a direct bearing on your involvement in the life of your church.
It is undeniable that the church is important to the Lord Jesus. He gave his life for her. The church is his bride. We consistently read in the Scripture that Christ died for the church. You do not need any greater motivation – you should love the church because Christ loves the church. It is that simple. Further we are to love as Christ loves. That means “warts and all.” Christ loves the church in spite of its weaknesses and failures. In spite of its inconsistency and stubbornness. No, the church isn’t perfect. Yes, it is often the source of disappointment and frustration but we are still commanded to love the church. Not just the concept of church. Not just the idea of church but the folks who sit in the pew with you. The folks whose names appear on the roll. So I have to ask, “Do you love the church?”
It is an important question and one that demands an answer. Oh, and actions speak louder than words. More about that later. I hope to see you Sunday.
