Staying Power – Part III
Our Focus – Our Commitment
In my first post in this series, I discussed the questions of the issue of a ministry staying relevant or current in today’s fast moving and quickly changing culture. In my next post, I identified that I think the problem lies within us and our focus. I will wrap this up with what I am committed to as an answer.
The need is never ending.
One of the most poignant moments of the last trip for me took place, ironically, in the tunnel between terminals at O’Hare airport. Kevin, Ben and I were discussing how much we had to do now that we were home. We had videos to make, e-mails to send, websites to update, letters to write, trips to plan, etc… We talked about how if this were our full-time jobs we could get it done, but with families and jobs the task seemed daunting. In the next several weeks I busied myself with the multitude of tasks that were on the plate. The Two Pennies team was great in supporting me, but the job seemed so overwhelming. The need was so great, and beyond that… more need. I felt very unfocused trying to balance all the responsibility and thinking of all the people that were counting on us.
As I began to be overwhelmed by all that faced me, I realized the problem – and saw the answer. I had lost the focus that mattered. Oh, my motives were all right, I wanted to help others. But, I had slipped into the trap that takes focus away from The Creator and puts it onto our creations. The Word does not say, -” in all your ways do things that help others and God will help you.” Instead it says:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.Proverbs 3:5 & 6
Our focus, our commitment, is to follow this set of verses in all we do. We are not promised that God will make us wise enough, strong enough, or able enough. What he promises us is that He Is Enough. In everything we do, we need to be sure our motive is to Honor Him. To bring Glory to His name. Our works, effort, and donations should be for nothing short of bringing Him honor. In our interactions with those whom we partner with and whom we serve, our goal should be His ultimate Glory. Not everyone will see this, but God knows our hearts and our motives.
In short, I commit to not being concerned with keeping the Two Pennies Ministry Current. I commit to not being overwhelmed with the process of “doing good.” I commit to bringing into focus the Glory of God. I commit to Honoring Him in all we do. I pray that you would support us in this. God has not put us here in isolation – we walk this road together. I still need help focusing, because occasionally the commercials come and we become distracted. Help me to remember to not turn the channel.