Lessons from little things

Way back in the 1960s the mission team in which I worked used to visit a Canadian pastor and his wife who were very hospitable.  Before we left their home there was a tradition of taking a dip in a "Promise Box".  For the benefit of those of younger years or less evangelical traditions these were small cardboard boxes tightly packed with tiny pieces of paper rolled up and on end, with a pair of tweezers to extract them.  On each was written a verse of scripture.  While some might have foolishly used them as a form of discovering divine guidance the real intention was just to bless people by letting them take a dip into God's word.

The problem relating this particular promise box was that not all the dips into the box brought out a heart-warming promise.  One particular item we always sought to avoid if we could was a quote from Proverbs 6 verse 6 "Go to the ant thou sluggard"!  This was definitely to be avoided in a Christian culture that allowed no time for rest or relaxation!

While the context of this verse is definitely an exhortation against idleness, the complete sentence is profound understanding of entomology (you can look it up later if necessary!).  Here is the whole sentence from the NIV.

Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!

7 

It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, 

yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.

Ants are the most prolific creatures on planet earth.  Their combined weight (there are 12,000 different species) outweighs the total human population.  They are not only industrious, incredibly fast and strong, but they are also well organised.  Different ants in a single nest will have specific jobs.  Some serve the queen and her brood, others collect and store food, some are soldiers with systematic patrols, and some are responsible for refuse removal and the transport of the dead to a burial place.  

But these efficient communities exist without any kind of hierarchy, exactly as Proverbs 6 verse 7 proclaims (how did the writer know that?).  Like the kingdom of God there are no "lords" to dominate others; there is mutual respect and assistance.  They work together as members of one body or superorganism.  One particularly interesting feature is how they forage for food.  As they go out they lay down a scent trail that others can follow.  If they find a good supply they add to the scent trail on their return.  This stronger trail attracts others with each ant adding to the strength of the trail.

The parallels with the principles of the kingdom of God are amazing.  Secular organisations are almost always organised in a hierarchy but Christians within the body of Christ - and I suggest our churches - are supposed to be organised differently.  We all have particular functions within the body of Christ but we are all necessary and mutual respect is vital.  We might place different values on the various functions but we should value all people the same.  An ants nest would become a hazardous place were it not for those that clear away the rubbish and dead bodies.  But the ants doing the clearing up would be in trouble if there were not soldiers on duty.

But I love the bit about laying down a trail for others to follow.  Shouldn't we be doing something similar in our walks of faith?  When we discover something that enriches our spiritual lives, or a better way of getting closer to God, shouldn't we then so demonstrate this that it provides a  pattern of discipleship for others to emulate?  If we were all so modelling a walk with God, others coming into the faith would quickly grow.  The trouble is that we adopt the hierarchical model and look to professional ministers to do the teaching.

One of the better kings of Judah was Amaziah who did what was right in the eyes of the Lord ...and followed the example of his father (2Kings 14). Paul writes to the Corinthians, "Follow my example, as I follow Christ" (1 Cor. 11:1).  Timothy was encouraged to "be an example" (1 Tim. 4:12).  The greatest Christian leaders are not those who have exercised authority over others but those that have followed the example of Christ, walked in humility and left a clear trail for others to follow.

Just occasionally ants get it wrong and miss the right path.  The consequence of this is that they end up going round in pointless circles.  This can happen to an individual ant following its own trail or it can happen to hundreds of ants that collectively hurry on relentlessly in a spiral of death.  The tragedy is that they just don't realise what a dreadful mistake they are making.  Perhaps that sounds like some churches too!

The vision presents many challenges about how we relate together as part of God's mission.  What might prevent our functioning efficiently without the need for someone to organise and instruct us?  What would church look like if we were bold enough to become a 'superorganism'?  How would that impact our overall mission?

Looking back on the past week
There is much to thank God for.

The operation last Friday went well and I have taken out time over the past seven days to let my body recover.  I am now well on the way and I am grateful for the prayers and messages received.

I had some good news and answers to prayer at the beginning of the week.  Several things happened on Monday that have helped move things forward for Mission for Christ/Action for Christ.  This seemed way beyond coincidence and the pattern has followed through the week.  Thank you for praying.  We are not there yet but have made big strides this week.  Please keep praying about this situation (see previous posts).

Requests for copies of "Time for Action" have continued to come in. But there are far too many who have not read this important book that is so helpful in understanding how abuse can happen in churches, how to prevent it, and how to care for those who have been victims.  Well informed churches and church leaders are safer than those who say "It could never happen here".

Requests for support and advice on rural mission have increased during the week.  Again, this is all about our core vision being fulfilled so please keep praying.  We try to lay down a good and safe trail for others to follow.

Copies of Country Way have arrived and will go out to members of the Rural Evangelism Network next week.  The current issue includes a feature on mission through art. This magazine is a brilliant resource and sadly underused.  A year's subscription is just £9.00 and includes postage or it is available in an e-reader version on line for £7.50 per year.  Please pray for more subscribers.

Also some sad news as one of the two Elaine's went to be with the Lord on Thursday.  For her it is far better.  We remember her family, friends and church at this time.

The coming week and items for prayer

Sunday 23rd - Yelvertoft Congregational Church

Monday 24th - School Assembly, Lubenham Primary School.  

There is also an international conference planning meeting in London that I am unable to attend on this occasion. Please include this in your prayers.

Tuesday 25th - regular visit to HMP Gartree (first after an excellent concert by the choir)

Wednesday 26th - teaching at the Salvation Army Training College, London on their Safe & Sound Course.

Thursday 27th - we start a new series for the village Bible Discussion meetings as we delve into Isaiah.

Sunday 30th - HMP Gartree and Yelvertoft Congregational Church.

Barry