Circuit Thoughts

Good morning my friends. The sun is shining, the birds are singing. Spring is in the air. I love these sunny cool days. It’s the kind of day where you wear a long sleave shirt as a light jacket, not as an extra layer. It is a beautiful and wonderful time to be serving God.

Every year the pastors of the UMC have what is called an evaluation. Originally it was started as a means for the Bishop and District Superintendents t0 check and see how the pastors in their area were doing. Now, it’s become more of a progress report type thing. Both the church and the pastor are involved. It isn’t a bad thing, just a part of the accountability of being a pastor.

One of the questions they often ask is, “What learning or continuing education are you involved in?” For those of you that know me personally, you know that I am in a constant state of learning. I am always reading scholarly works, and historical documents. I love learning things. Some of the stuff I learn is trivial or even debatable, but that’s how we learn and grow.

However, I have noticed that I have a bit of a problem applying what I learn to ministry. Oh sure, I can expound with the best of them from the pulpit. Like many others, I can tell you not to murder, or not steal, or not covet. I can share the rules but…

When it comes to the Gospel, I, like so many of my sisters and brothers of the clothe, (and many of the pew setters) have a problem with being. I have no problem knowing the Gospel, but I have problems being the Gospel.

And you see, that is the point of learning. As followers of Christ, we are called to learn all we can about the Good News of Christ. Paul encourages Timothy (2 Timothy 1:13) to “hold on to the pattern of sound teaching that you have heard from me…” Knowing the teaching of Christ is important, but it means nothing if you do not apply to your life.

Quite frankly, people watch us. The world is ever ready to watch the Church fall. The world is quick to accuse and condemn every pastor and Bible teacher who fails. That is why we need to not only know what the teachings of Christ are, but also live the teachings of Christ.

To truly love your neighbor means to take time to teach them about Christ. The best way to teach is by example. When I was a young driver, my dad taught me how to change the oil. He showed me first, then he instructed me on the next car. As I became proficient, he helped me tweak the process a bit by showing me shortcuts and making sure I had the proper tools to do the job.

That now falls to you and me, regardless of if you are clergy or not. We each now need to practice what we know. To show love by showing Christ to the world. Learning is great, but it needs to be combined with doing.

Something to think about.

Shalom my friends.

See you in church.