By Pastor Bob DeKlavon
One of my standard lines when it comes to construction projects goes like this:
“When it comes to building things—I can do a good funeral.”
This goes for other things as well.
Years ago, I was part of a foursome for golf in our church’s golf tournament.
As the senior minister, it ‘just so happened’ that the other three golfers were all golf pros.
Yes, I was ministering to them, but, on that day, I needed them.
However, when the rules of the day were spelled out, I knew it was going to be a long day.
The way this tournament would work--a certain number of my swings HAD to count.
Understand, I grew up playing sports, but I just could never master golf.
So it was, about 3 holes in that I quoted my line from above.
I have done a multitude of funerals.
I find it ‘relatively easy’ to get people to talk about their loved one and the type of service they desire.
I have a template I follow which gives me a pattern in covering the essentials for each person.
With that in hand—services go on and I can do that which is somewhat comfortable for me.
Back to construction.
I have a friend who can fix just about anything.
It happened that when we were moving into a new house—he came and spent some days with us.
He put in our electric garage door opener which to me was the equivalent of building a spaceship.
When he was done, I remember asking him if doing that gave him great satisfaction.
He said, “Not necessarily—only if I did it without instructions.”
He went on to explain that he had once bought an opener that came with no instructions.
By the time he would have gotten them he just decided to go ahead and put it in—which he did!
Now, I CAN put together certain things and do certain things.
It just takes me longer than someone who knows what they are doing.
AND, I have to carefully follow the instructions that are given—to make sure I am doing it right.
Yesterday, I wrote about the church of the Thessalonians who provided: “A Pattern for others to follow.”
The question arises: what is that pattern?
What are the instructions as to what our spiritual lives should be like?
In chapter 2 of Paul’s letter to Titus—he tells him what example, or pattern he should set.
Again, as we face where we now are—what a great contrast to so many following a different pattern
Paul tells Titus the following:
ONE—in ALL things show yourself to be an example
TWO—in good deeds
THREE—with sound teaching as your foundation
FOUR—being dignified
FIVE—sound in speech
While we have more time to consider our spiritual lives—look at the pattern Paul lays out and ask:
How am I am doing in these areas?
How am I different from others around me?
How can I follow God’s pattern and so be a pattern to others?