Should I be Content?

April 13, 2009

Lately as I’ve been praying I’ve had some long conversations with God about something that’s really bugging me. I’ve heard over and over again the old adage that we should be content with whatever size “ministry” the Lord gives us. He might call some to minister to 20, some to 200, and others to 2,000, or 20,000, and we should just be thankful for whatever He gives us and do our best to help those He sends our way. While I agree with this in theory, I can’t seem to agree with it practically. I think there’s really something missing in that whole discussion. So, I’ve tried to pray that God would help me to be content with where we are as a church. That we would be able to launch services in August and do the things necessary to be a good church that reaches whoever the Lord might send our way. But… God is NOT allowing me to be content with any of it.

Please don’t take that the wrong way. I’m so excited about launching Sunday services this fall that I can’t stand it. And if you’ve committed to be a part of Beachside I’m very grateful for you. I’m excited you’re a part of what He is doing. I also want to do everything I can to help you grow in your relationship with Jesus Christ as you help me. I want to be the best pastor/shepherd/leader I can be for you. But, I want so much more for you than that. I want you and I to be able to experience together a real movement of God in our community.

The thought that keeps coming back to me is this: Why would God have such incredible LOVE for all people that he would send his own son to pay the penalty for their sin if He didn’t really want them to experience His love? And why would He give us an opportunity to share His love with all the people in our community if He really didn’t want us to reach them?

Acts 15:19 has become one of my favorite passages in the Bible: “It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God.” James, and all the leaders of the church, decided really early on that the Church was for EVERYBODY, and that we, the church people, shouldn’t make it difficult for others to come to God. I’m ready to break down the barriers in our community, and I desperately want to see people turn to God. It’s NOT because I want to build Beachside Community Church so I can brag about more numbers. It’s because I believe God loves everyone and He desires for them to experience all His goodness.

So, here’s the verdict: I’m not content, and I’m not going to be until everyone in our community- no, everyone in the world- has had an opportunity to experience the love of Jesus Christ. I’m not sure how to do it, and I don’t really know what all He is calling Beachside to do. But, I know He is allowing us to join in on something really incredible that He is doing in our community, and I’m excited we’re on this journey together.

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