What you see is what you get.

I've come under some criticism as of late.  I shouldn't be surprised.  God just used our church to pull off the largest gathering of people in the history of our county this summer, we have baptized 21 people this year, we just began the first stages of a capital stewardship campaign and I just wrapped up a sermon series that dealt with satan (he never likes to be exposed!).

I have been accused of being shallow, stealing sermons, taking God's Word out of context, not listening to others, not being truthful, taking the Holy Spirit out of the church, wanting nothing but more money, not caring, bringing the world into the church, killing the church, and the list could probably go on.  

Here's my official response; I love Jesus!  And I am passionate about leading others to become passionate followers of Christ as well.  I am accountable to God almighty for my life and leadership with HIS church.  Read Hebrews 13:17.  I will stand before the Creator of this universe and give an account for every thing that I do here at this church.  And honestly, I want to please Him over everyone else.  That's not always popular but it's the truth.

Life is short.  None of us know the hour or the day that we will stand before our maker.  Time is passing and with each passing second there are people dying and entering an eternal hell forever.  We must do something - we must obey God's word - we must follow Him with everything we have - we must share His gift of forgiveness with those around us - we must get past what we don't like about everyone else and get on to loving God and loving others.

I love and believe in His church, I love our community, I love what I see God doing in our midst.  But, my heart breaks over the hard heartedness, complaining, critical attitudes, and lack of unity among God's people.  Read Philippians 2.

As for me, what you see is what you get.  Philippians 3:12-16