Sharpening the focus of the church by Getz Gene A

Author:Getz, Gene A
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Church, Theology, Practical
Publisher: Chicago : Moody Press
Published: 1974-09-05T16:00:00+00:00

Many churches today are guilty of filling positions with people — but not qualified people. We often make judgments based on "skills" (sometimes falsely classified as spiritual gifts), but if these skills are practiced in a context of carnality it can be devastating. Unfortunately, "ability" and "carnality" mix well, for ignoble ends. Far better to have a person who has undeveloped skill and who is strong in spiritual and psychological qualities. If he is strong in the latter, he will become strong in the former. And if he has special gifts of the Spirit, they will soon become obvious.

Fifth, maintain a proper balance between divine and human factors.

The temptation for all leaders is to go to extremes. On the one hand, we may rationalize indecision and inaction on the basis of God's sovereign will and grace. This can easily become a "cop out" for irresponsibility and—God forbid—even laziness. On the other hand, we may take matters into our own hands and ignore the will of God, His power, wisdom, and guidance.

Both extremes of course are wrong. Nehemiah, of all the bibhcal examples, demonstrates most forcefully the balance. He prayed and then "acted." And sometimes he "acted" and then "prayed." And at times he prayed while he acted. As he consistently sought guidance from God, he at the same time proceeded to use the mind and energy that God had given him to do what he knew needed to be done.

Perhaps the clearest example of this principle in the hfe of Nehemiah was when he arrived in Jerusalem. He "arose in the night" and went out and surveyed the walls. But, said Nehemiah, "I did not tell any one what my God was putting in my mind to do for Jerusalem" (Neh 2:12). Here it is clear that he was formulating his plans as he inspected the walls, but he was also fully convinced that God was guiding his thoughts.

Christian leaders functioning in the twentieth century church must maintain the same balance. How easy it is to go to extremes, to attempt to solve problems in our own strengths and with our own abilities; and to neglect prayer, God's help, and direction and blessing. On the other hand, how easy it is to withdraw, spend time in prayer or in Bible reading; and to neglect human responsibihty. And God help us to put a proper emphasis on both the divine and human— and in that order.

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