It's God's Church Stupid

Every now and then, in the midst of planning for the future of the ministry, tweaking budgets, and scores of other Sr. Pastor responsibilities, I'm reminded that this is God's church!  Now that has several implications:

1. Our Job is Not Worrying, but Working!  If God truly called us to this work, why should we ever be worried about what abilities or money we don't have?  This is God's business and He will supply every tool we need for every ministry endeavor He desires us to accomplish, to bring glory to His Name!
2. Keep your Sign Pointed in the Right Direction!  The ultimate purpose of highways is to get people to their destination.  Can you imagine a highway with no exit signs or exit arrows?  One would ask "what's the purpose of this highway?"  In ministry, our purpose is to point people to God's redemptive work through Jesus Christ, and to a lifestyle of obedience to God's word.  Therefore it's imperative that in everything we do, people are pointed in that direction.  Strive to be a Pastor or Christian that is guilty of pointing people "God-ward."  Otherwise, we're useless highways!  Remember, "It's God's Church Stupid."  It's fine to pray for people, but be sure to teach them that the power is from God, not you.  It's fine for people to respect you, but teach them to reverence God above all.
3. It Won't Work Without the Battery!  Ever tried operating your cell phone without the battery?  You can have a 4G iPhone with 1,000's of apps, and it be useless, without the battery!  That's what a church is like without God empowering it.  No ministry, no matter how slick the marketing strategy can be successful without God directing and empowering the church.
4. One Day We'll Have to Turn in our Work!  Leased cars never belong to us.  We just get to drive them.  One day they have to be turned in.  Be sure to lead your ministry that way.  Remember, "It's God's Church Stupid."  One day God will inspect the work that we've done, if I'm interpreting Colossians 1:28 correctly.  Also, be sure to drive the car in a way that takes into consideration that there may be a new driver after you.  We can't Pastor these churches forever.  In relation to time, it'll only be a little while.

Remember, "It's God's Church Stupid!"