“Does It Matter?”

Serving.  Giving.  Loving.  Sacrificing.  Hurting.  Trying.  Failing.  Losing.  Those are all words I would associate with church life.  I’ve been in “the ministry” for about 40 years this year.  I’ve never been hurt like I have been hurt in church.  I’ve never been as tired and worn out as I have been by the work of the church.  I’ve given when I had nothing else to give and tried when I had nothing else to try.  I’ve gone back to work on days I wanted to quit and I’ve watched investment in people go completely bankrupt.  I’ve been lied to and lied about.  I’ve seen Diane cry and pray and give in ways no one else will ever know.  I’m not complaining and I’m not asking for anything; because at the end of the day, when I consider what God has said about serving Him, I believe it is worth it. Now, and in the life to come.  I have seen love, joy, peace, holiness, beauty, praise, worship, miracles, conversions, repentance, reconciliation, forgiveness, loyalty, commitment, provision and blessings that can only be explained by supernatural means.  And, we have hints throughout the Scripture that what we have in this life is not the end.  It’s interesting how many little reminders there are that the rewards God has for us in the life to come are well worth the investment.  The enemy and the world actually hate what the church is really about.  My own flesh craves ease, comfort and accolades.  If not for the active assistance of the Spirit, no one could continue the Kingdom life.  But, He is with us and for us.  So, yes, it matters.  What you do for Christ in and out of the church matters.  He knows.  He loves you and is with you in the struggle.  You will see things serving Him that others will never see—and, the best is yet to come.  “Your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”