bits from bob....
Pressing Toward the Mark!
by Robert J. Young
©, 2001, Robert J. Young
[permission is given to reprint with credit noted]
"A certain Christian once said to a friend, 'Our church costs too much. They are always asking for money.'
"The friend replied in emotional words, 'A few years a little boy was born into our home. He cost a lot from the very beginning. He had a big appetite, he needed clothes, medicine, a puppy and toys. Then he began school and that cost even more. He needed more clothes. Later he went to college and that cost a small fortune. He began dating regularly, and that cost another small fortune. In his senior year at college, he became very ill and died. Since his funeral he hasn't cost me a penny. But I would trade anything, even all my material wealth, to have him back.'
"After a pause, the friend continued. 'As long as the church is alive, it will cost money. When it dies, it won't cost anything. A living church has the most vital message our world can hear, so I'm going to give and pray with everything I have to keep the church alive.'"
We are poised on the brink of challenges we have never before seen or met. There is vibrancy and life, vitality and spirit when we assemble. There is developing within us a burning desire to reach out and share the goodness of which we partake. We have caught a missions spirit, and evangelism of this world and community certainly lies within our grasp. That knowledge buoys us and propels us. Our youth are enthused, and an air of expectancy permeates all we do. We are waiting, as though with bated breath, to see the great potential God has placed before us realized.
It does cost money. Living things always have, always will. The message we have, however, is worth the whole world. Jesus said so. To paraphrase, "What will a man give in exchange for the soul of a friend?"
I'm going to give and pray with everything I have to keep the church alive and vibrant and living and expanding. We've not come this far to quit, or even give any slack. "I press on toward the mark of the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."
Go to Articles Index
http://www.bobyoungresources.com/articles/2_0831.htm
Last updated November 23, 2001.