The Lord’s Work and Church Work Aren’t Always the Same

During our Houston years, Gary started to school, so we didn’t have a pre-schooler in our family any more.  Jim and Ruby were both baptized during our time in Houston.  Our household was a beehive of activity, but I was also being forced to look at some major changes in the way I viewed ministry and my relationship to family.  I usually spent one or two nights a week calling on service visitors and others who had displayed an interested in the church.   

I recall one particular evening when I was all ready to go out calling, I realized we had a number of issues at home that needed attention.  Gary needed help with his bath.  He was at that age when he needed to be prodded to take one.  Jim and Ruby both needed homework help.  The house needed attention.  I don’t recall Elliott having any major issues that night, but he was the only one.  Ann was sick and desperately needed to get to bed.

It would have been the easiest thing in the world to get in the car and go visit somebody else.  I got to the front door, turned the door knob and then closed it again.  I took off my tie and jacket.  In those days preachers still dressed up when they went calling.

I immediately went to the bathroom and started drawing Gary’s bath water.   I recall that time, because it represented a fundamental change in my view of “church work.”  I decided the Lord wasn’t calling me to neglect my family for the sake of the work of the church.  I think it was the right decision, and I have tried to act that way ever since.