| Welcome to the First Baptist Church of Norwich 239 West Main Street Norwich, Connecticut Phone: 860-889-0369 |
Cal's Pastoral Epistles
"Friends In Low Places"
July 1, 2009
Gordon McDonald, one of my favorite Christian writers, was telling about
a recent experience he had at a Church leadership convention. The person
introducing him was being very flattering and laying it on thick. As he got
up to speak he was feeling pretty swell headed. The key note address went
very well and he finished to thunderous applause. As he was leaving the
stage people were coming up to congratulate him and he was walking on air.
Now McDonald knew that his job was to give the glory to God and he was
careful to do that. Yet, as he says, he took a little bit for himself and enjoyed
the moment. When he got back to the hotel room he called his wife to
report in. He shared the exhilaration that he felt and the sense that he could
do no wrong that evening.
She listened politely for a few minutes and then began questioning him
about his schedule for the next day. He was coming home. Gordon gave her
the flight numbers and all the particulars. Instead of letting him get back to
sharing his moment of glory, she simply told him that the leaves in the back
yard still needed to be raked when he got home.
McDonald said he couldn't believe it. It seemed like she didn't get it. He had
just told her what an impact he had made on a thousand Christian leaders
and all she could think about was some leaves in the back yard. Then it hit
him. She was doing him a favor by keeping him grounded. She reminded
him of where his roots were planted.
The truth is that sometimes we get carried away with ourselves. As
President of the PTO or coach of the little league team or even as a
preacher who is known in the community, we can begin to believe our own
press clippings. Before long we start to think we have something over the
next person. Gordon's wife did him a favor that day and he recognized it.
It is important to have people in our lives who love us and are willing to
remind us who we are. They celebrate our triumphs. They also remind us
to humble ourselves before God because that's who we are called to serve.
Jesus said that the greatest among us need to be servants. The truth is
fame is short lived. It is in serving others that we find our greatest joy.
When we get out there to feed the hungry or to mentor a young person
we've done something God smiles at. When we visit the sick or comfort the
dieing, we have done holy work worthy of God's applause.
Humility and service are the marks of an honest faith that honors God.
Next time you feel puffed up with pride, head out to the back yard and start
raking. You'll find Jesus there. You just might find yourself as well.
God bless. See you in church. Cal
July 1, 2009
Gordon McDonald, one of my favorite Christian writers, was telling about
a recent experience he had at a Church leadership convention. The person
introducing him was being very flattering and laying it on thick. As he got
up to speak he was feeling pretty swell headed. The key note address went
very well and he finished to thunderous applause. As he was leaving the
stage people were coming up to congratulate him and he was walking on air.
Now McDonald knew that his job was to give the glory to God and he was
careful to do that. Yet, as he says, he took a little bit for himself and enjoyed
the moment. When he got back to the hotel room he called his wife to
report in. He shared the exhilaration that he felt and the sense that he could
do no wrong that evening.
She listened politely for a few minutes and then began questioning him
about his schedule for the next day. He was coming home. Gordon gave her
the flight numbers and all the particulars. Instead of letting him get back to
sharing his moment of glory, she simply told him that the leaves in the back
yard still needed to be raked when he got home.
McDonald said he couldn't believe it. It seemed like she didn't get it. He had
just told her what an impact he had made on a thousand Christian leaders
and all she could think about was some leaves in the back yard. Then it hit
him. She was doing him a favor by keeping him grounded. She reminded
him of where his roots were planted.
The truth is that sometimes we get carried away with ourselves. As
President of the PTO or coach of the little league team or even as a
preacher who is known in the community, we can begin to believe our own
press clippings. Before long we start to think we have something over the
next person. Gordon's wife did him a favor that day and he recognized it.
It is important to have people in our lives who love us and are willing to
remind us who we are. They celebrate our triumphs. They also remind us
to humble ourselves before God because that's who we are called to serve.
Jesus said that the greatest among us need to be servants. The truth is
fame is short lived. It is in serving others that we find our greatest joy.
When we get out there to feed the hungry or to mentor a young person
we've done something God smiles at. When we visit the sick or comfort the
dieing, we have done holy work worthy of God's applause.
Humility and service are the marks of an honest faith that honors God.
Next time you feel puffed up with pride, head out to the back yard and start
raking. You'll find Jesus there. You just might find yourself as well.
God bless. See you in church. Cal
Pastor Cal Lord writes these weekly epistles to
help us see God in every day things.
help us see God in every day things.
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |