Shepastor: “Missed Opportunities”

The master was full of praise. 'Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let's celebrate together!' Matthew 25:21

Some years ago, actor Harrison Ford starred in the movie, “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.” The movie had a particularly profound message. The character Indiana and his father were in search of the “holy grail,” the legendary cup from which Christ drank wine at the Last Super. After navigating through a variety of deadly tricks and traps designed to prevent explorers from finding the prized artifact, Indiana finally enters the cavern where the cup resides. There’s only one problem – the cup is not singularly placed – it is amidst an array of other cups – crystal, gold, silver, bronze, those adorned with precious jewels etc. If the wrong cup was selected, the one drinking from it would instantly die a horrible death – he had to choose wisely.

The scoundrel that was before him chose what appeared to be the most elaborate, lavish, sparkling and expensive cup. As he drank water from that cup, he immediately began to age, shrivel and explode! It was then Indiana’s turn. After thinking hard about the life of Jesus, he determined that he would not have had such a cup for his last meal. Therefore, Indiana chose the most simple, unpolished, dull looking clay cup from among the others. His selection was correct!

So often we are drawn to the glitz and glam in today’s society – even in the church. It never ceases to amaze me how many ministers miss wonderful opportunities to serve – to teach, to do missions, to give and to share their gifts in smaller, not so glamorous venues. In pursuit of “greatness,” they miss the clay cup. They fail to realize that every assignment is an opportunity for faithfulness – no matter how small.

I once was told, “when you do a job well, there’s always another job to do.” Realize that you are being observed – not only by humans, but by God. If you are given an assignment, do you give it your all no matter how trivial it may seem? Do you keep your word when you promise to do something? Can people count on you to finish what you start? Do you take your responsibilities seriously? Do you constantly have to be reminded to carry out your given tasks? Do you quit easily? Are you offended if you are not given a “major thing” to do?

I challenge you today to remember, that promotion does not come from the east or from the west or from the south, but God is the judge who puts one down and sets another up (Psalm 75: 6-7). Your gift will make room for you and bring you before great men (Proverbs 18:16). Be faithful in the small things, be faithful even when it looks and feels like no one cares or appreciates your efforts. Let the Lord guide your goal setting process. Your greatness is wrapped up in your faithfulness. Understand the meaning of “the cup.”

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Next Thursday, August 23 is the Pre-Conference for the “Empowering and Encouraging Women in Ministry” Conference. Rev. Barbara J. Essex, author of Bad Girls of the Bible will be there for a book signing! KeyBank Financial Education and Empowerment workshop for women in ministry will be offered. Sister Joyce Lake from American Baptist Women in Ministry will provide awesome praise and worship! Pastor Tonya Fields from New Freedom Ministries will preach! What an awesome time we will have in the Lord! Don’t you want to join us? Visit www.wtimofgreatercleveland.org and click on “donate n register” to pay the $15.00 pre-conference registration fee today! You will also see highlights of the Conference, August 24-25th as well. We hope to see you there!

Until next Wednesday In Faith, Hope and Perseverance, Pastor Chris