Maybe you think this is poor timing. I know, I’ve been here less than two weeks; but I really do want a raise.
Now that I have your attention, and before you have heart failure or start a petition to impeach this presumptuous preacher, let me explain: I’m not talking about my salary! That’s not the kind of “raise” I have in mind. But seriously, I really do want a raise.
I want a raise in attendance. Of course there is much more to Christianity than just attending Bible classes and assemblies. But attendance is essential! There is more to living than just breathing, too, but how long can you survive without air? Attendance was up this past Sunday – the morning count was 99! Why not have triple digits from now on?
The early Christians “continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine, and in fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42). Let us do the same. No doubt some of us ought to improve our attendance habits. Will you accept the challenge? I want a raise!
I want a raise in enthusiasm! Years wrinkle the skin, but lack of enthusiasm wrinkles the soul. Did you know our word enthusiasm is composed of two words meaning “God in us”? What greater motive could we have for being zealous than the knowledge that the Lord dwells within us? Jesus “gave Himself for us, that he might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous of good works” (Titus 2:14).
May each of us be consumed, as Jesus was, with zeal for God’s house (John 2:17). If enthusiasm were as easy to arouse as suspicion, just think what could be accomplished. I want a raise!
