Swing Vote
This Week's Theme: Motivation
Charles R. Swindoll
Tuesday, January 30, 2001
 1 of 1
Key Bible Verse: If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ (Galatians 1:10b).
Bonus Reading:2 Corinthians 2:14-3:6
I was a relatively young pastor when a volatile issue arose with the potential of splitting the church. Our strongminded elders were equally divided. My vote would break the tie. The climactic board meeting was set for a Thursday evening.
I told Cynthia I had to be alone overnight to think everything through. I got into my Volkswagen early Wednesday morning, turned onto the highway, and rested my New Testament on the steering wheel as I drove along. I opened to Galatians and began reading, glancing up onto the road then back down at my Bible. Suddenly [today's Key Bible Verse] leaped off the page like a tiger with sharp claws. I immediately pulled over, turned off the engine and read the words aloud again and again.
I not only had my answer, I'd stumbled upon a life-changing principle. Confidence replaced fear and now my only goal was to please God. I did a U-turn and returned home. The following night I openly declared my conviction, which displeased some of the elders but resulted in what proved to be the best decision. A few left the churchyet for the first time in my ministry I experienced a surge of freedom.
Charles R. Swindoll in The Grace Awakening Respond:
Seek truth from the source. Let Scripture fill you with the very mind and words of God. Thought to Apply:
I believe in getting into hot water, it keeps you clean.
G. K. Chesterton (English journalist and writer, early 20th century)Adapted from The Grace Awakening (Word, 1990). 1 of 1
 share this page
Oh, God, show me your thoughts and your ways. Lead me into your goodness and mercy.
Men of Integrity
Connect with God | Transform my Mind | Live by His Power
Relate Better | Make an Impact
Home | Archives | Contact Us
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
Try an Issue of Men of Integrity
Free!
|
 |
|
No credit card required. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Offer valid in U.S. only. Click here for International orders.
If you decide you want to keep Men of Integrity coming, honor your invoice for just $19.95 and receive five more issues, a full year in all. If not, simply write "cancel" across the invoice and return it. The trial issue is yours to keep, regardless.
Give Men of Integrity as a gift
Buy 1 gift subscription, get 1 FREE!
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
| |
|
RSS Feed
