Buddy Miles sings "my mind is going through these changes..." The Chambers Brothers sing "that change has had to come..." Bowie sang "time may change me, but I can't change time..." And Santana told us "you've got to change your evil ways, baby..." And as we have been shown quite enough of for the past two years, change can a difference. Ahem...
I worked for a national company once, who was super successful, and people stayed for 40-50 years. The company was even referred to affectionately as Ma, and took care of its own. A family of 3000, that was successful to a man, or woman. Then they were sold a bill of goods, by a management team, telling how business in the 90's would be different. Technology, new management principals, and a new way to do business, and they would lead the way. And within 90 days of the new plan, the company was in turmoil. Communication lines were severed, the management was out of touch-inaccessible, and running for their careers, and we went through CEO's at a rapid rate. Good employees, who bought into the new corporate mantra, were ostracized, when the imminent disaster became imminent. Men who had been successful, suddenly were stumbling around, not sure of how to do business. The product hadn't changed, but the way of doing business had. And it cost sales, destroyed careers, confused the customer base, and took an industry leading company to its knees. Our competitors loved it, they swooped in and took away accounts, long time customers, who were used to a person, not a procedure. The only winners-the lousy management group that sold them this bill of goods. And then the excuses flowed, and we were told that it was just your perspective. The emperor really did have new clothes. And if you didn't like it, leave. So over 1500 men did. And took their business contacts with them. Leaving those remaining but a shambles. Shaken, and stirred.
At about the same time, the church I was attending was growing. In particular the men's fellowship. And the growth in the men spiritually was noticeable, and it flowed into their business lives and their families. But with success, came a new man into the group. Who knew people, celebrities. And told us that there was a better way, and got some excited. There were Christian Padres, and would come and speak. For a price. And so the plan was implemented. Where we would have 50-75 men to a meeting, the numbers dropped. The free meal, now was $7, and some didn't have it. You see we were hungry for Jesus, not some pitcher signing autographs. Charging for something that was free was an offense, and like a bad movie, many got up and left. And didn't return. The reply, "well if you want better speakers you must pay for them." I don't remember Jesus charging for any speaking engagements. The focus went from Jesus, to the celebrities, and them instead of the Bible. And men quit coming, and were upset, but no one listened to their cries. This fellowship that had been productive, and kept men in the word, suddenly was ruined by one bad decision, and a pastor that rather have his ears tickled, then his flock fed. You didn't like the new way, complainers, they were labeled. And finally this man had such an impact on the pastor, that his messages changed. And when he was caught lying from the pulpit, it was time for us to leave. Right before he was shown the door. And that church has never recovered in almost 20 years! Such a deal for only $7.
The world is invading the church. Programs, procedures, rules, and regulations. Movies and technology dominate the latest generation, and without an entertainment value, they think who will come. Funny, the message stays the same, why do they change? And we end up confused, and looking for somewhere else where we can be fed. And the world? We not only let it in, we invited it in, and then shut the doors behind it. It can't leave. And the enemy sleeps better that night, knowing that his job is going well. With a little help from his enemies...
Billy Graham has been successful for over 60 years, keeping the message the same, the gospel. Not charging, not selling programs, not introducing new procedures. Just speaking the timeless gospel in love. For free, just like Jesus. Why mess with success?
Success has been defined as the completion of a preset goal. Beware of this. Success in God's eyes is obedience. Numbers are not important, Christianity should not be a numbers based, performance based relationship. When it is reduced to that, you've already lost. Ask yourself, has that truth set you free? Jesus does.
Be as gentle as a lamb, but as wily as a serpent, the Bible advises. And it is good advice, but only if taken. All things are not profitable, and in the end the Word will endure. Don't be left standing without it. Man plans, and God laughs. Church leaders take note-your congregation is! Feed your flock, we are hungry!
Bob Dylan wrote "the times they are a changin'," aren't you glad the gospel hasn't? And at prices you can afford!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com