William Shedd, a nineteenth century pastor and theologian, wrote, “A ship is safe in a harbor, but that’s not what ships are for.”
Obviously, ships are for sailing. Some are built for speed, some for carrying cargo, some for looks, but all for sailing.
I have a 10 foot Sea Doo (not sure whether that qualifies as a ship or not), that I truly enjoy. There's nothing better than getting out on the water on a beautiful day and cruising around. However, at the moment, it is safely stowed away for the winter. Because of that, I'm not able to enjoy it. Oh, I could sit on it and pretend that I'm sailing the ocean waters...but that would be a poor interpretation of the real thing.
Sometimes, as I reflect on the modern day church, I feel that we have settled for a poor imitation of the real thing. As I mentioned in the sermon yesterday morning, too many churches are solely focused on keeping the doors open and the lights turned on. We should never be satisfied with just doing the bare minimum, as God's people.
The church of Jesus Christ is called to reach the world and to impact people with the hope of salvation and of life change. It's a big vision...and it requires a big commitment on our part. If the church is to remain relevant and truly have an impact on the community - then we must get out of the harbor. Jesus showed us that living outside of the comfort zone led to possibilities and opportunities. Yes, it produced risk as well; but who said being a Christian ought to be safe?
There's a ship in Halifax that never leaves the harbor. It has a rich history of effectiveness and naval service. HMCS Sackville served well in WWII and beyond. However, today, it is a museum/memorial to days gone by. It's a good endeavour to have the ship serve as a reminder of Canada's naval past, but the ship was never intended to be a museum. When it was built, it had a far greater purpose - but over time, it became out of date and irrelevant. The church (or its people) should never suffer the same fate. If we become a museum of days gone by, then it's because we stopped ministering to others and finding ways to impact and influence them. Jesus never meant for the church to stay in the harbor - He intends for it to sail.
What do you think? How can the church be relevant in 2007?
"Send revival, Start with Me"
Pastor Ken
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2 comments:
"Send revival, Start with Me" is the answer or take the risk and walk across the room.
I beleive this is a individual thing not a church thing. We as Chirst followers have to take it more serious then we do. Sometimes we rely or depend on the church to much. We expect the church to do it, or that is the church area.
I think we have to take our own risk and trust God! The more of us that do that then the greater possibility that the church will not turn into a musuem?
Have a great day bro! I think I am about 40 of those people on your counter!!!!!!!
Hi brother! Just read your blog...good stuff. Give kissses to Colby and tell April hi. thanx for the visit and hospitality We will do it again sometime. Miss you guys ao we will have to get together a bit more often. Oh! alexandra made jv volleyball!!!! What a girl! Bye.
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