Calvin Synod Herald, 2008 (109. évfolyam, 1-10. szám)

2008-01-01 / 1-2. szám

Leadership in the New Year

"Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, for you know that we who teach shall be judged with greater strictness. ” (James 3:1)

These words in James’ letter continue to remind me that my responsibility as a minister is much more than my own personal business. As a minister, I have accepted the responsibility that I am a teacher in everything I do. There is nothing that I do which does not reflect on my Christian faith. By my actions, I set the standard by which people judge the sincerity of my words. The old Hungarian saying, “He preaches water, but he drinks wine,” is a very apt description for the situation every minister is in. When one preaches “brotherly love,” one must indeed be loving to all; when one teaches kindness and patience, one must indeed be kind and patient with all. The minister’s demeanor will set the tone of how serious his flock will take him.

This does not just apply to persons in the “ordained ministry.” Remember, the scriptures speak of a “priesthood of all believers.” Every leader in the church - elders, officers, leaders in the Ladies Organizations and Men’s Fellowship, Church School leaders, organizers in the kitchen - all are in the position of teaching the other members of the congregation what “living Christianity” means. You are teachers by virtue of your position in the Church of Jesus Christ! When we accept a position in the Church, it is more than an “honor,” to be recognized by the other members of our congregation who show they trust us; it is a serious responsibility toward Jesus Christ and His Living Body in this world - for it is His Church!

In many of our congregations, we have been celebrating “anniversaries” of 100 years or more. These have been beautiful celebrations, with festive gatherings, guests, and the return of members who have moved over the years. The festivities have been celebrations tempered with a nostalgic reflection about days when there were many more members. But the fact is that times do change. Ecclesiastes tells us that “there is a time for everything under heaven.” We live in a certain time in history, and it is our responsibility to fulfill the “Calling” Christ has for us in our particular place in our particular time.

When our ancestors formed our congregations and built our churches, they had a particular “calling.” Their “calling” was especially difficult, since they were entrusted with organizing congregations in a strange society, often inhospitable to eastern Europeans. They had to scratch out a living in the least acceptable jobs, and had to live in the sub-standard housing reserved for the “new immigrants.” In the midst of their poverty, they were called to the impossible task of building a house of worship; they fulfilled their “calling.” Our churches today are the result the dedication of persons who didn’t just “talk” Christianity, they lived it, showing their congregation what Christian dedication truly is. These are the persons whose names are on the “Honor Roll” of each congregation - the “true leaders” who taught the next generation about Christian faith, dedication, sacrifice and hard work.

Our generation inherited these congregations and beautiful church buildings, and in this “new season” of the life of our churches in

CALVIN SYNOD HERALD_____________________________

America, we, the leaders, the teachers of this generation, must be faithful to the original vision of our ancestors and our God. Our challenges are different than those of our ancestors, so they must be met in new ways, as circumstances demand. However, we must never forget that our fellowship is a Christian Church, dedicated to Christ’s teaching, His example, and His service. In this “new season,” as we strive to reevaluate our direction in the new year, let us be good leaders, “good teachers,” in order that the generation following us will remember this season as a time when our Church was not only faithful, but pioneered new ways to strengthen our Christian fellowship.

Rev. Koloman K. Ludwig, Bishop

_____________________________________________________3

Getting Ahead in the New Year

/. SEEK THE RIGHT ATTITUDE TOWARD RESOURCES

A. Godliness is a powerful resource and the right attitude toward it magnifies the value. “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” (1 Timothy 6:6)

B. Just as physical exercise improves health, spiritual development improves life, but additionally the benefits last for eternity. “For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.” (1 Timothy 4:8)

C. In the long run righteousness is actually more valuable than wealth which vanishes with the world. “A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.” (Psalm 37:16)

D. Relationship with the Lord is more valuable than any other commodity. “Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.” (Proverbs 15:16)

II. ETERNITY IS STABLE BUT THE WORLD IS NOT

A. Babies come without pockets and corpses do not need pockets. “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.” (1 Timothy 6:7)

B. Job summarized the matter. “And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” (Job 1:21)

C. People waste themselves in struggling for the ephemeral. “As he came forth of his mother’s womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand. And this also is a sore evil, that in all points as he came, so shall he go: and what profit hath he that hath labored for the wind?” (Ecclesiastes 5:15-16)

D. Even what appears to be valuable in the world’s treasure chest cannot be conveyed across time. “For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?” (Proverbs 27:24)

E. God calls the person who values trinkets over eternity a fool; such a person does not genuinely believe in God.

“But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall

Continued on page 4