Thursday, June 19, 2008

Life

I just spent the last two days in Omaha. The purpose: meeting with supporters and alumni of the Salt Company as well as connecting with old friends and new ministry partners.

13 appointments which totaled over 20 hours of meetings.

Two Conclusions:

1. Don't strive to be successful. Live to be a blessing.

People talk so much about how many teenagers walk away from their faith their freshman year of college (common estimates are around 80% who stop going to church after high school). But as a college pastor, the greater concern for me is college students who lose their faith after leaving college. Don't get me wrong, they might still attend church and be nice people raising nice kids. But they have lost all risk to their faith. Their passion for Jesus is cold. The local church is not central to their affections. They don't think about living strategically, giving sacrificially, and investing their talents wisely. They aren't praying for revival in their neighborhoods, workplaces, families, churches... that was for a phase back in college. The dream of being a success quickly replaces the passion to be a blessing.

Praise the Lord for so many of those I met with that are fighting the good fight of the faith!

2. Proverbs 3:3-6 are worthy of "life verse" status

How many marriages did I hear were falling apart?
How many people walking away from their faith?

Lots.

"Let love and faithfulness never leave you. Bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your path straight."

God help us.

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