Category: Resolution

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The Show Must Go On

Since Sunshine Church implemented COVID protocol safety measures, worship services have had a production feel to it. A need was created and we filled that need, but it still feels “produced.” Jamie and I sit on stools staring into a camera with an empty auditorium to speak to people sitting at home (more than one person has joked about us stepping into a televangelist role). The music we hear is overlaid with the high quality sound from Acappella Praise & Harmony with emphasis on the word, harmony. Jacob Miller has managed the “performance” from behind the scenes to help produce the best visual product possible. All because, when the pandemic hit, the show must go on.

James gives a stern warning for those who want to teach, for those who do will be held to a higher standard than others (Jas. 3:1). He is not decrying teaching, but he is reminding those of us who do teach that practicing what we preach is crucial to teaching. He’s not calling for fewer teachers, but for more teachers to model faith. But herein lies the difficulty. Not only do Sunday sermons come every seven days, but so does the Sunday evening and Wednesday evening bible classes. A lot of content and instruction funnels through the church, and that’s not counting the numerous other bible class instructions. While the pandemic streamlined the teaching, generally the church is begging and pleading with members to step into roles of teaching so that students have their teacher, leaving James’ concern far behind.

“It just seems like there’s something I’m leaving behind, but the show must go on.”*

Following the events of Elijah’s confrontation with the priests of Baal, we find him on the run. Did he believe that his moment on Mt. Carmel would ignite a great awakening and revival in Israel? Did he convince himself that a place of honor and status awaited him in Samaria? Was he that surprised that Ahab and Jezebel sought to have him executed? Did it ever occur to him that Mt. Carmel was too much about him and not enough about God? Regardless, he found himself spiritually and emotionally depleted and alone. Not wanting to go on any further, he was through with preaching and living.

“I just keep pretending to live for the game, so the show must go on.”*

When Paul wrote to the Corinthians for the second time, he included three sections known as “Affliction Lists” (4:8-10; 6:3-10; 11:23-29). In these passsages, Paul underscores the amount of pain he has endured for the sake of Christ (we’re probably more familiar with clay jar section of 4:8-10 and his final list of “boasting” in 11:23-29, than we are with chapter six). While he writes with hope, he refuses to gloss over his experiences, even admitting he felt like Elijah where he despaired even of life (1:8). But God holds Paul together, fueling his strength, passion and joy. And while he’s endured difficult days where he wants to give up, something inside of him wouldn’t quit.

“I just keep on bending the rules to fit the pain so the show must go on.”*

So here we endure while we wade through the floods from COVID. We settle for the online presence and worship, because it’s available with modern technology. But like every other social media platform, it cannot replace togetherness as it causes separation anxiety. We long to gather as a church. We ache to assemble in person so that we can look into each other’s eyes while praising God and encouraging one another. But even when the date is set for in-person worship, COVID will still hover like dark rain clouds. Even though vaccinations are rolling out, questions remain. How long will we have to wear masks? Will my hands ever heal from being chapped from all the handwashing? How long till social distancing is lifted? What will the result of the new virus strains be?  I don’t know the answer to these burning questions; I don’t believe anyone really does. But this I do know. Whether online or in-person, whether the auditorium is empty, partially filled or filled, whether COVID hovers or dissipates, we will continue offering a platform for worship. Because the show must go on. 

Soli Deo Gloria!
(i.e., only God is glorified!)

* Words by Bill Chaplin & Bruce Gaitsch

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Resolve: Words into Action

The moment was a game-changer.

Tuesday night January 14, 1986. Riding in a car with Eddie somewhere between Searcy and Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Eddie had graciously picked me up well after dark at the bus depot and it was a least a two hour drive back to Harding’s campus. At the time he was my best friend and running mate. We logged numerous miles and hours the three plus years we ran together. He’d stand next to me on many occasions, and the most important occasion was when he stood by me at my wedding.

As we left the terminal, we talked about Christmas break and what we did during the holiday season. I told him about my three day ride on the Greyhound bus. Eventually, the conversation turned to our running and how disappointed we were in our performance during the cross country season.

Over the Christmas break Eddie’s mind was working the problem. Our morning runs were out of focus, and I had skipped (i.e. slept in) far too many of them. We had avoided serious weight training and were lacking the necessary strength. Our technique needed perfected. We relied too much on our abilities and not enough on our discipline. In short, we had been training like we were high school boys instead of college men.

Eddie had a plan to address each of these flaws. Morning runs were not an option as we had a five mile course we tackled each weekday at 6:00. One hour before practice (M-W-F), we were in the weight room getting stronger. Before going to bed we challenged each other to 100 sit-ups. After our long runs we were doing technique drills. The more Eddie talked the more excited we got. I was all in and it was going to be a game-changer, until Eddie said, “We start tomorrow.”

I looked at him. I was tired. Three days on the bus wore me out. I wanted to sleep in a decent place and in my own bed. I finally spoke, “Let’s start this Thursday.”

How many times have we said that? We really want to lose the weight, but not today. We want to save money, but not until we spend the cash in our hands. We believe we need more dedication to the assembly, but we’ll start next week. We know we need to meet Jesus in baptism, but we’ve got plenty of time.

Eddie responded, “Jon. If we don’t start in the morning, we won’t start.”

As I reflected on his statement, he couldn’t have been more right. Too many times we have a desire and passion but not enough to implement. We make a good talk; we fail to follow through with a good walk.

The Hebrews writer pulls us into clear focus. He reminds us to act in the present, because if you delay your heart will harden and your resolve will weaken.

Today if you hear his voice ● Do not harden your hearts ● As you did in the rebellion (Ps. 95:7-8; Heb.3:15 [3:7-8; 4:7b])

Where Israel failed in the faith, the author is holding out hope that our resolve will kick in to act so that our “good intentions” will begin bearing faithful fruit.

The Hebrews’ writer isn’t trying to convert his readers, but his message is applicable to conversion (i.e. “Commit your life to Jesus in baptism today!). He’s exhorting Christians who have fallen behind and contemplating giving up to get back in the race. They need to make that decision today without putting it off any longer.

I agreed with Eddie as we implemented our plan. Through our resolve we had the best track season in our career. The moment was our game-changer, and with some resolve, it can be yours too.

Soli Deo Gloria!
(i.e. only God is glorified)