For years growing up in Ohio I watched many times as the commercials for GM vehicles passed before my eyes. At the time, GM as well as other automobile manufacturers spent considerable air-time promoting the value of the “Proving Ground” as the final guarantee for superior quality. After all, these vehicles were tested under the most extreme conditions of heat and wear so they should survive anything that the average customer would throw at them.
And then, one day, I wound up living in the shadow of the proving ground, just miles from the facility although it was after all mysterious, fenced off from curious eyes with only unmarked semis moving down the highway and in to the well guarded entrance.
Reading the final verses of Paul’s letter to the Colossians reminds me of that proving ground—- certain characteristics that when operational, prove The Faith we claim as worthy of all the hype contained in our claims.
Since that is true, then it becomes us to put what we know into practice. The real test of anything lies not on the showroom floor but out on the road. That means that we should be alert to the opportunities that show up along the way. We must buy up all of those opportunities and make the most of the time we have in putting them into play— before the very ones who need what we have the most. Furthermore, our message must be clear, free from contradiction, duplicity or hypocrisy. It should address the wrongs of life and lifestyle without degrading or diminishing the the grace that we as believers claim to manifest.
Secondly, we must surround ourselves with relationships that will beckon the interest of outsiders and encourage us to press on the the final goal. My mother told me often to cultivate good friends and over the years I have found that to be a tremendous asset in the course of living the Christian life. I love the diversity through which Paul has carried on his affairs; attracting cross cultural sympathies and colleagues who added to the appeal of his message. Truth is, Paul’s friends and colleagues included trusted servants, individuals who in some cases, had literally endured imprisonment with him, if only to be able to share time with him. There were people who likely owed their freedom to him and those whom he could count on for their daily prayer commitments. And then there was Luke, the physician to whom Paul confided and trusted. Finally, his list of relationships may have included one of whom he was unsure of and likely by now questioned his loyalty— Demas. He receives a scant mention and not long after in II Timothy 4, Pauls confirms what we may have suspected, that “, has in fact, deserted me”.
In summary then, the essence of a good ministry is a clear and compelling message coupled with the necessity of cultivating plentiful and wide-ranging relationships that provide encouragement, challenge, and a great model for future ministry.
Some questions to leave behind
- Are we upgrading our skills to ensure a clear and compelling message? The message always remains the same but the vehicle may need an up grade.
- Have we thought through the list of acquaintances and friends who have helped us along the way? How do we sustain these?
- Are we looking to build new relationships in the worlds we frequent and thrive?
Be blessed,
Mark
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