A Special Reward of Preaching

I recently mentioned the need for preachers to be candid with their congregations.  Someone posted a comment about times when we seem to be doing what we do in worship mainly for the purpose of making a good impression, and what a sham that makes of the whole procedure--whether it's the choir, the preacher, or even the congregants.  I couldn't agree more.  Reading that comment on this blog, however, reminded me of something I think I should relate--not only for the readers of this blog, but for my own encouragement as well.

 

When I reached my senior year in seminary, I was asked to lead some chapel services.  Most of the seniors got this opportunity during their final year.  The first time I led chapel was in November, 1974.  I led a chapel service on a Friday morning and gave a concert that night in the Campus Center with a friend of mine who was a drummer.  (I played the piano.)  There was a girl in the seminary I was trying to impress.  I just knew that between the chapel service and the concert, I couldn't miss.  But alas, she barely noticed.  I'm not even sure she attended the concert.

 

Move forward to February 7, 1975.  I had been asked to lead chapel again.  I wasn't thinking about girls or concerts.  I was preaching on Philippians 4:8-9:  "If there be any excellence, ..... think on these things."  That text had come to mean a lot to me.  I preached with sincerity and conviction.  In the congregation that day was Lydia.  She and I already knew each other; but we were just friends.  That sermon helped change our relationship forever.  She still says that when she heard me preach, she knew that I really believed what I was preaching!  God used that message truly  to bring me a special reward of preaching--and I wasn't trying to impress anybody!

 

I have always believed that there was a special significance in the fact that the relationship between Lydia and me was never based primarily on a physical attraction, but on a spiritual foundation and a genuine friendship, both of which preceded any physical attraction or romantic interest.  I like to remember this event in my life, for many and obvious reasons.  I also think, however, that it tells us something about being who God made us to be, about integrity in our worship, and about candor and conviction in preaching.  

 

God has given me many wonderful gifts; but He gave me one of the best as I was seeking to honor His call and His claim on my life.  I must never forget that!

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