Our church was saddened to learn this week of the death of one of our most valued members, Someone Else. Someone's passing creates a vacancy that will be difficult to fill. Else has been with us for many years and for every one of those years, Someone did far more than a normal person's share of the work.
Whenever there was a job to do, a class to teach, or a meeting to attend, one name was on everyone's list, "Let Someone Else do it." Whenever leadership was mentioned, this wonderful person was looked to for inspiration as well as results; "Someone Else can work with that group." It was common knowledge that Someone Else was among the most liberal givers in our church. Whenever there was a financial need, everyone just assumed Someone Else would make up the difference.
Someone Else was a wonderful person; sometimes appearing superhuman. Were the truth known, everybody expected too much of Someone Else. Now Someone Else is gone! We wonder what we are going to do.
Someone Else left a wonderful example to follow, but who is going to follow it? Who is going to do the things Someone Else did? When you are asked to help this year, remember - we can't depend on Someone Else anymore.
~ Author Unknown
4 comments:
I have seen and used this in the past, and think it is great. Sadly, I have posted it, read it from the pulpit... I even mailed to to all my members a few years ago, and still it has had no effect on people. It is just the mindset of people that "someone else" will do just about everything. Grass needs mowed... someone else will do it. Church needs cleaning... someone else. Someone sick at home or in the nursing home... someone else will go.
The reality is most people, while they will never admit it, really don't want to have to do anything for the church. This even applies to giving. The statistics show that in the US, less than 25% of those who attend church pay tithe or contribute regularly.
The harsh reality is that "someone else" has been dying in our churches. Those that have been faithful for years are growing old and dying and no one else is stepping up to fill the void left by each one. And because of it, we are watching churches steadily decline and will close the doors of many of them in just a few more years if this continues.
The only thing that comes to mind:
Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ; certain that God is appealing through us, we plead on Christ's behalf, "Be reconciled to God." He made the One who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
(2 Corinthians 5:20-21 HCSB)
Our persistent words will have one of two effects: Lead people to Christ or be a testimony to their rejection of God on that great day of judgment.
I've been thinking a lot lately about what qualities I need to look for in choosing a good Christian husband and father for my (someday) kids. After running a search on the phrase "good husband and father" I discovered your blog. I've been reading past entries and like it a lot. You seem like you really try to live up to your blog title. I'm praying that I locate a man like you someday. Thank you for posting and keep up the good work.
A sister in Christ.
Anonymous,
Thanks for the encouragement.
The best advice I have heard for looking for a Godly spouse was from Tommy Nelson http://www.tommynelsononline.com pastor of Denton Bible Church http://www.dentonbible.org
It goes something like this: "Run towards God as fast as you can and look around you. Whoever is keeping up is where to start looking"
The fact that you are thinking about it now and not after a broken marriage and fatherless child is really great!
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