Hello Folks,
     I wonder what it is that moves people to have a commitment and desire to serve God?  As I look at our world I see some people who have a great desire to reach others for Christ but most of what I see is, at best, a general lack of concern for God or His Church.  I guess I probably measure both of these things together--the desire to serve God and the desire to serve His Church.  Of course, there is the great matter of whether you can serve God without have a love for His Church? 
     As a pastor it is very hard for me to watch as commitment to the local congregation seems to be dwindle but commitment to sports, work, and a variety of other things seems to grow.  I ask myself if I think that way simply because I am a pastor and get much of my sense of success from my ministry.  Is that fair if that is the case?  Would I think the same way if I spent all week working hard and just did not have the energy to give to the local congregation from my life?  Should I expect more than just Sunday morning attendance?  Is the church of today moving from a group of people who meet "much...more, as ye see the day approaching."  (HEB 10:25) 
     Just this past week the Supreme Court let stand the lower courts opinion that same-sex marriage is legal in certain states, about 30 of them will be effected.  The moral fabric of our nation has been changing and at this time it would seem that the Church should be an anchor for all.  But when there is little if any commitment to the Church I wonder what that will mean for our nation, or what it has meant for our nation. 
     Maybe this is nothing more than the concerns of a man who is growing older.  I pray that is the case.  I know that God's Church will always exist because it is God's Church.  But I do wonder what it will mean for our Movement and our nation.


Have a great day,


HGRudd