God is Not First in My Life

This past Sunday I had the privilege of speaking at SpringWell as we mimicked a talk show. Scott McAlister, Lead Pastor at SpringWell, was the host (He was more Dr. Phil than Jerry Springer). We used this time as an opportunity share with the church the miracle story of my sons healing last November and challenge the church to a deeper commitment of service.

After telling the church why we moved to South Carolina, Scott asked me a straight forward question: “So Bill, Are you saying that your family is more important then God?” I answered and said that I was frustrated with how we’ve prioritized our lives in the church. For years we have been telling people that it is God first, family second, work third, and so on. I said we’ve been WRONG and that God is NOT first in my life. God is not first because our relationship with Him is not linear. He is not meant to be first in my life, He is meant to be the center of my life.

And because He is the center of my life this will impact every area of my life. Because He is my center it changes the way I approach my family, my job, my money, my relationships, and so on. When God is at the center of my life the values of His Kingdom affect every area. I am still discovering ways to practically live out Him being my center. This is the beauty of being a Disciple of Jesus Christ.

Since Sunday morning I have received many emails from people who were in the service. Some were scared when I said God was not first but were later overwhelmed with the simplicity of the thought that He should be the center. Many have been long time Christians and never recognized this truth. I was honest and said, “I didn’t always know it myself.”

How about you? Is God first or the center of your life? How does your answer impact your relationship with Him?

P.S. The SpringWell Podcast should be up in the next day or so…Take a listen!

Real Men Have Lap Dogs

This week our Pug turned 7 years old. Her name is Meika and she was a gift given to me by students of The Mission, when I was director of the ministry in Washington, DC. Like most Pugs, she has lots of personality. She is not much of a guard dog. She only does one thing well. She lies around. If Renee and I are busy or not at home, Meika just lies on the couch looking out the window. But if either one of us sit down, Meika is quick to come lay down on us. She is faithful and always there. I’ve grown to appreciate this about her. When Renee temporarily relocated to South Carolina last year, Meika and I spent a lot of time alone. Despite the fact that my son was in a medical crisis and my wife was so far way, Meika was comfort. It was the ministry of presence.

The ministry of presence, what is that? It is the ministry of “being there.” Sometimes being a good friend means you are just there. You don’t try to solve all the problems. You don’t talk endlessly. You just hang. I’ve wondered this week if I’m effective in serving in the ministry of presence. Sadly, I learned I could take some notes from Meika. I am in a situation right now where being there for someone special to me is very important. I am praying I will learn from Meika and just be there. I’ve been in situations where all I’ve needed was someone “being there.” Now I need to be the person who is “there.” Meika has taught me a great lesson. Real men have lap dogs.

Have you ever had a friend who served you with the ministry of presence? Have you been the person who was just “there”? How did this impact your life?

Why Serve?

I’ve spent a lot of time this week reflecting on the question: Why should people serve in the local church? While having lunch with the ministry team at SpringWell, I shared two thoughts that leaped from my heart.

1.  People need to tap into a compelling vision. Very few people, if any, are walking through the  doors of our church asking: What can I do to take up more of my time? Most people in America are already over-committed with activity in their weekly calendar. How do we motivate people to shift their priorities and participate in the mission of the local church? I am convinced it begins with a compelling vision. We cannot expect people to serve because we have positions to fill. It is our job as leaders to express the value of every service opportunity in light of how it connects with our mission and vision as a church. If we do not connect these dots, the service lacks meaning. A compelling vision is the beginning point of motivating service.
2. People need to hear stories of transformation. Service in the local church is as much about discipleship as it is volunteerism. In the last nineteen years, I have been amazed with how many people have experienced deep personal change because they took the time to serve others. Whether is was going on a mission trip, being a greeter or usher, participating in a home group, or offering administrative support to the office, these service opportunities provide a platform for personal transformation. Why? There is something powerful and transformational about getting the focus off ourselves and onto serving others. This is the paradox of serving. As a church, we must create environments where people can share their stories about the connection between serving and transformation. Most of the people coming into our churches want change to take place in their lives. When they hear the stories of how so many have been changed through service, they in turn will want to serve as well.

Do you agree? Share what motivates you to serve. What role does vision play in your willingness to serve? How have you been transformed by serving others?