Numbers, Numbers, Numbers

Have you ever heard someone say that the church is more interested in numbers than in people?

I have seen it written and heard people who have thought these kind of thoughts. It makes me wonder as we get into the second topic from the book, unChristian, if we are considering our motives when we approach the subject of salvation?

As a pastor, I have gone out looking to save the world. I wanted to get as many people into the church as possible and share with them the wonderful good news. I wanted a big church to show that we were a place where people were getting the truth.

The problem I had was not my desire to share the news of Christ, but how people viewed my eagerness to share Christ. To many, they may have felt more like a notch in my belt than a person with needs and problems who is looking for kindness and care.

My passion and heart were in the right place but my approach was off. I have a hard time accepting that some people are going to go to hell. Not because I have a Jesus complex and want to be the Savior of the world, but because I know the heart of God is for "none to perish".

I hate sin and death. I hate not knowing if someone is has responded to God or rejected God. But in sharing the good news even Jesus had those who rejected Him and His teachings. Yet in all His work He never stopped sharing the good news.

As I begin to look at His way and my way of sharing, I find that I miss the mark at times. I have heard all to often that people do not care about what you have to say until they understand how much you care.

Take Earth Day as an example. What better chance do we as Christians have than this day to show how much we care for God's creation? How much better of a chance do we have of changing the minds of others about our true motives than by participating in caring for our planet?

Or as another example, how much more can we show love to others than in helping to create a community garden which is used to help feed those in the community in need?

I can go on with examples but the fact I want to get across is that we can share our faith when we truly do care for others.

"God isn't late with his promise as some measure lateness. He is restraining himself on account of you, holding back the End because he doesn't want anyone lost. He's giving everyone space and time to change." 2 Peter 3:9 (MSG)

We may measure our successes in numbers but the true measure is found in how we take part in stirring up passion for God in others through our actions. God is holding back the End so we have a chance to take action. How will you respond?