There are times when impatience is the watchword of the church. We want it, and we want it now! Sensing a need, all too often we opt for the 'quick fix' as opposed to taking what some call the 'long view.' To be honest, a quick-fix is no more than a Bandaid at best. It may soothe our jangled nerves, making us think the problem has gone away when actually, it has not. We like to see results, and the quicker they come, the better. Isn't that how we are at times?
The apostle Paul faced this in his ministry. As Saul the Christian persecutor, he was on fire to arrest these followers of the Way, Christians. But when he experienced his Damascus Road, he began to learn that although 'quick' might momentarily be satisfying, it wasn't necessarily the best way. I understand from where Paul is coming. As United Methodist pastors, most of us never have the luxury of watching the fruits of our labor grow and blossom.
Paul dealt with divisions in the church in Corinth. I've wondered if it was a case of over-anxiousness, like a small child awaiting the arrival of Christmas. We do know that Paul was trying to counter such divisiveness, that is, those who 'belong to Paul' or 'belong to Apollos,' etc. In 1 Cor. 3:6-7 Paul says, 'I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives growth.' I think Paul is warning against this over-anxiousness.
In verse 10 of the same chapter, Paul states: 'I laid a foundation, and someone else is building on it.'
Again, a reminder to the church. While he may have wanted to see the fruits of his labor, he recognized that he was but a planter or foundation layer. Paul had a trusting confidence that God would bring about such blossoming and growth whether or not he was around to see it. Sometimes, we will see the results. However, if our labor depends on that happening, just what are our motives, or they for self-satisfaction and gratification, or they for God's glory?
The story of Johnny Appleseed tells the story of a man who wandered about planting apple seeds, never staying in one place long enough to see the results of his sowing. Seeing the fruits (pun intended!) of his labor was not his call. His was to plant, just like the apostle Paul. Others would do the watering and the tending to the apple orchards. Others would reap the bounty of what he had sown. Such is the role of the church today.
We are seed planters, you and I. Maybe we'll see the results of our labors. Maybe we won't. Whichever is the case, we can rest assured that it is God who brings the growth. Now, all we have to do is trust. Not easy, is it? See you on the road as we scatter the seeds of discipleship.
Grace and peace,
Mike
July 26, 2015