Ok, we’re about to complete this chapter, and the remaining text is rather short. So, I’m going to go long in my introduction remarks.
Our author (Miles Stanford) has been using the example of “soul-winning” – evangelism – to make his point regarding the failure of getting things out of order, i.e. Instead of struggle and work, resulting in failure, the [correct] pattern becomes [ought to be] reckon and rest, resulting in growth. So the right order is to gain instruction, reckon or count it as truth, rest upon it (faith), and proceed in growth, growing as it were in grace and truth (2Pet. 3:18).
HOWEVER, as our author alludes to the issue of witnessing, this malady of being pressed into service before adequate growth is not just confined to “evangelism.” There is a lengthy list of Christian service activities that could be equally applied here. I believe his reason for using “evangelism” to make the point is that this is a primary calling of each disciple of Christ, and a very central focus and push within in his particular circle of fellowship. But again, his observations and comments can be applied and carried over into any number of ministries. There is an all to prevalent pattern of initial convert enthusiasm and energy pressed into service to soon, that often results in burnout and frustration, lacking the firm foundation to undergird and sustain patiencefaithfulness.
THERE is this thing called the 80/20 rule, and it is fairly consistent in it application. 80% of the effective work comes from 20% of the people. I have learned that in the area of manufacturing and sales (coming from my nearly 45 years of experience in that arena) 80% of your profit comes from 20% of your product line. In problems, whether material or personnel, 80% of your problems faced come from 20% of ________ (fill in the blank). It also works in reverse. For example “success!” Maybe you have heard it stated this way: “Success is 20% inspiration, 80% perspiration.” (Or maybe you’ve heard it more like 90/10, in that case.) Regardless, I have found this 80/20 rule to be true in so many areas, seeing it repeated in the many narratives of Scripture as well. I’ve often wondered why this is the case? But knowing it to be a fact in reality, is very helpful in dealing with the implications, and seizing the opportunities that arise from its’ problematic challenges. The other part of this observation garnered over the years is noting how many “impressive beginnings” fade away over time and are no more, be they individuals who displayed great initial promise, or groups and institutions that lacked a firm foundation and staying power.
WELL, I could write at length on this topic, but at this point you are probably wondering what this has to do with the issue at hand? I’m going to leave you to muse upon that for yourself, and simply asking where do you fall? Are you in the 20% or 80%? And why is it Jesus kept challenging his hearers, “You who have ears, ______”? And what was the general response to our Lord’s blunt statement? Why did some eagerly follow, and others simply walk away? What is the Lord’s point in the Parable of the Sower?
HERE are a few quotes from the previous read of this chapter, to help us in our reading the closing of this chapter:
We have been born into Christ that He may be our life, not just our Savior.
In our early years most of us place service far ahead of growth. It is true that there are “results” of a sort during this period, but the main lesson we learn in all this eager activity is how not to do things.
It is usually this Spirit-planned failure in service by which we are brought to realize our need for growth and maturity.
Instead of struggle and work, resulting in failure, the pattern becomes reckon and rest, resulting in growth.
Busyness does not necessarily produce a barren life. Rather, barrenness of life produces busyness!
NOW, let’s hear the rest of the matter and conclusion to this chapter.
In the inexorable riches of Christ,
Joe
Neh. 8:10, Isa 30:15, Jas 1:2; Prov. 21:30
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Chapter 44—Service and Reckoning – conclusion
When our witnessing and personal work is under the control of the Holy Spirit, the burden and aim of our outreach will be not only that others may be brought to the Lord Jesus, but that they may be built up in Him. “Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving” (Col. 2:7). For one thing, this will eliminate much of the heartache and devastation caused by so many falling by the wayside. When we have in mind the Father’s ultimate purpose for each one from the outset of our witnessing, there will be prayerful and careful Spirit-motivated preparation of hearts both before and after conversion.
The Lord Jesus is to be manifested in us for effective witnessing; He must be free to minister through us for fruitful soul-winning. Responsible service can be on no lesser basis. Others have every right to witness something of Him before deciding about Him. “Thanks be unto God, who always leadeth us in triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest through us the savor of his knowledge in every place” (2 Cor. 2:14, ASV).
