In John 21 Jesus asks Simon Peter the following, “Do you love Me more than these?” Jesus' words have the power to energize and excite the heart of His follower. Peter’s initial response, while offered in the affirmative, for some reason did not satisfy the Lord. What answer was He looking for?
Last week I was confronted with the same question as together Jessica and I sat in the parent teacher conference to discuss the progress of our youngest son. Our son is very intelligent, articulate, and has the ability to win the heart of almost everyone he meets. Unfortunately he also struggles to stay focused, on task, and organized; this potentially a consequence of the drug and alcohol use by his biological mother during her pregnancy.
We listened as the professionals shared observations, frustrations, and victories. The meeting began with his Social Studies teacher who while never making eye contact, unleashed a barrage of anger with the obvious conclusion that, “this one isn’t worth investing in”.
I was furious, indignant, and ready to call for her job. Who was she to write off our 12 year old son? Perhaps it was time for her to look for a profession that didn’t have to deal with less than perfect children? Maybe she just needed a break, a change of scenery? Whatever the case, I just knew she needed to make some changes.
The teachers left and the guidance staff called our son into the room to discuss the “action plan” we had agreed on. As he sat across from us in his chair, squirming, smiling that goofy grin, and trying to keep up with the action plan being articulated, I looked deeply into his big brown eyes and realized how much I really love my son.
In that instant I began to reflect on my years as a Salvation Army officer. How many times did my actions and attitude toward those I was called to serve come across more like my son’s Social Studies teacher than the loving father I try to be? I was trained, called, and commissioned, but were there times that I had checked out? I showed up for work every day, did everything that was expected of me, and even initiated some innovative programs to minister to the people.
The truth is there were more times than I care to admit that I had “left the work” even though I was still doing the work as an officer.
Jeff Bassett
Former USA East (click here to visit the website)
Pastor, Living Water Ministries
Last week I was confronted with the same question as together Jessica and I sat in the parent teacher conference to discuss the progress of our youngest son. Our son is very intelligent, articulate, and has the ability to win the heart of almost everyone he meets. Unfortunately he also struggles to stay focused, on task, and organized; this potentially a consequence of the drug and alcohol use by his biological mother during her pregnancy.
We listened as the professionals shared observations, frustrations, and victories. The meeting began with his Social Studies teacher who while never making eye contact, unleashed a barrage of anger with the obvious conclusion that, “this one isn’t worth investing in”. I was furious, indignant, and ready to call for her job. Who was she to write off our 12 year old son? Perhaps it was time for her to look for a profession that didn’t have to deal with less than perfect children? Maybe she just needed a break, a change of scenery? Whatever the case, I just knew she needed to make some changes.
The teachers left and the guidance staff called our son into the room to discuss the “action plan” we had agreed on. As he sat across from us in his chair, squirming, smiling that goofy grin, and trying to keep up with the action plan being articulated, I looked deeply into his big brown eyes and realized how much I really love my son.
In that instant I began to reflect on my years as a Salvation Army officer. How many times did my actions and attitude toward those I was called to serve come across more like my son’s Social Studies teacher than the loving father I try to be? I was trained, called, and commissioned, but were there times that I had checked out? I showed up for work every day, did everything that was expected of me, and even initiated some innovative programs to minister to the people.
The truth is there were more times than I care to admit that I had “left the work” even though I was still doing the work as an officer.
Jeff Bassett
Former USA East (click here to visit the website)
Pastor, Living Water Ministries
6 comments:
Jeff,
You ARE doing the work. You have a new ministry. No one is called to Salvation Army officership. ALL Christians are subject to the Great Commission. we are all ministers of some sort. Whether it be in the pulpit or just being a good neighbor. We all have a job to do.
The Salvation Army has become rather bureaucratic, and in that bureaucracy many officers see their work being stifled.
If i may say so. Your moving on to your own ministry shows where your heart is. You have a job to do Pastor Jeff. You have souls to save. I just pray that Living Water Ministries gets this done without "red tape", moving when and only when The spirit says move.
Lifelong Salvationist.
Now you have freedom in the Spirit and your hands are not tied down to the auspices of men.
Many blessings !
USA East former
Jeff-
Thanks for your insight. That's an important challenge for any profession. I know that there have been days when I have checked out. It usually happens when I haven't had a true Sabbath rest in far too long.
I wonder how many active officers are experiencing this every day...
I am not a former officer, but my grandparents were.
I loved this - both the William Booth quote and the blog that follows. My grandfather and grandmother were officers from about 1916 to 1930. They had pioneered the work in about 4 Indiana small towns, but it cost them a high personal price, for those were days without any social safety net. Illness disabled my grandfather. They lost my mother's twin to pneumonia. In short, life was hard, and it never got a whole lot better in the years they spent together until their deaths in the '70s. I know from many conversations with them that they never lost heart. They continued ministering to others - both in and out of the SA - for the remainder of their lives. It is comforting to know the Founder, who had blessed my grandmother as a child before she left with her family for America, held such a view as expressed her. It is exactly how I regard those who, in the eyes of the some, have "washed out" and "left the work." We cannot judge them. That remains the realm of the Judge of the universe, and of all His children. Ours is to restrain judgment and to remember, these too are our brothers and sisters. One day all of us will be made whole, re-united, restored.
In addition to Hermes Kelly Birkin Handbagsaxjber , people right here have a person look-alike Replica Hermes Handbags Hermes , straps, wristwatches and so forth. In short, we will meet the needs of all of our buyers. http://www.kellyhandbagsforsale.com Hermes Belts , belts a way person needs to have at least an important accommodate www.lovehandbagsforsale.com2013 Hermes Handbagsrofgqj . But a way not to mention wise lovely lady also needs to have a very pocket book, many Birkin HandbagsHermes Beltscaoffh , plus a relax and watch. A new wallet can have that you can control the plethora at a simple method.
Post a Comment