Run All
A University of Virginia baseball player was recently picked for a professional team. Have you ever thought of all the parents and players who have dreamed the dream?
T-ball, Little League, Pony League, Babe Ruth, college/university, Minor League...several million boys and girls in any given year. But when it comes to the big diamond, big money, and big competition, only a few thousand make the cut.
The Apostle Paul observed that all run, but one wins---probably in reference to Olympic competition. He advises since the competition is so tough we should put our whole heart into crossing the line. He talks about casting aside weights or anything that would slow us down from following Jesus with our whole heart.
One of our parishioners was reaching out to encourage a man toward the Body of Christ. The response was: "I visit a lot of churches and attend where worship makes me feel good."
Imagine going to a dentist. The dentist says: "My primary objective is to make you feel good. No noisy drilling. No opening of mouth with the feeling that three hands are inside. No suction hose in mouth. No bright lights in eyes. No needles. Just laughing gas."
It is time to leave the dentist's office. He gives you a bill for $100. You ask the dentist what the bill is for. The answer is "for making you feel good." You ask if you will still have a toothache. The answer is "Yes." Will the problem go away? "NO!" What will happen if my tooth hurts again? "Come again," the dentist says, "I will give you laughing gas. While you are here you will forget about all your pain. Remember to bring $100 with you."
Shepherds lead their sheep through fields that look good, but the shepherd knows there are dangerous precipices, wild animals, thorns/thistles, and that the grass is not sufficient to sustain the sheep through the winter. The shepherd is thinking of more than feeling good. He is thinking of the good health and long life of the sheep. He has the flock at heart. If the shepherd does not care for the flock there will be no flock next year.
Jesus, the Great Shepherd planned our eternity.
Covenant Church leaders work together for the best interests of persons of all ages. Buildings and grounds are designed for ministry. Diligence and dedication are devoted to every age group.
We carefully craft discipleship classes with the hope that each person will study the Word of God, develop good relationships with others, and find a place to serve that is meaningful, fulfilling, and appropriate to one's gifts given by the Holy Spirit.
A child in a home that enjoys vast privileges of "feeling good," with no responsibility becomes a spoiled child, expecting a lot from others, but giving little. In time the child comes to believe that parents and other family members are obligated to provide "feeling good" materials and experiences. The failure of parents to provide "feel good" experiences can result in the child’s seeing the parents as a failure. But the worst is that the child does not grow up to be a mature person, unselfish, and willing to serve others.
Covenant Church is a servant church. Check the parking lot. Do you see designated parking for the Senior Pastor, staff, elders and deacons? No. You see parking for visitors, seniors and persons physically challenged. Those who lead park in the outside lots---no designated space. Thirty years as Senior Pastor---and I choose not to have a reserved parking space for Laila and me. We do not consider ourselves better because we serve you. We are privileged to serve.
What we track is the good record of scores of persons who have graduated from Covenant Church into strong ministry in other churches, mission work, and many positions of church ministry and public service. Look at the history of excellence of our youth. We have a history of youth being accepted for studies in America's finest colleges and universities. Youth develop leadership skills in Covenant ministries. We praise the Lord and purpose that we shall continue to serve you that you may run ALL, cross the finish line, and hear the applause of heaven for finishing well.
Run with all your might...for an eternal reward!
Pastor Bare
Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win [1 Corinthians 9:24].