Once upon a time a restaurateur noticed the cars driving past his restaurant. He had a prime location for his upscale refectory. Few roads were as heavily traveled and few locations offered the ease of access he enjoyed. Transfixed by the sight as hundreds of cars cruised past his bistro window, he made a sad mistake. He failed to turn around to see what was going on inside his dining establishment. Tables were filled. People were happy. Reservations were booked for the entire evening. His patrons were poster-children of viral promotion: “This place has the best food in town!” His parking lot was filled with cars. His cash flow was positive and other merchants envied his success. But he was unhappy. He couldn’t shift his attention from all the people passing by, driving their cars to different restaurants – and choosing other places to eat. Thousands were rejecting his restaurant every hour of the day! It broke his heart. Rather than count the “Yes” votes and turn his attention to those he was able to reach, he focused on the rejection of others and lost his joy. At GCC we count “Yes” votes. Most people will never attend GCC (there are more than 6 billion on the planet). If we focus on the people who reject our ministry, and turn away from our service for Christ, we will lose our joy. There will always be more people who turn away from our ministry than towards it. We must discipline ourselves to count the “Yes” votes. Let’s do well what we do best and thank God for every person He makes receptive to our efforts. If we focus on doing what God is blessing we’ll increase our potential for success, job satisfaction and peace. “Be sure to do what you should, for then you will enjoy the personal satisfaction of having done your work well, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else.” – Galatians 6:4. Since the weekend I’ve been asked how many people didn’t decide to join us in funding Christ’s work with their tithe. “Mark, how many people were just not ready to make that commitment?” I don’t know exactly how many haven’t yet decided to tithe. I know hundreds said they would! So we’ll focus on what we can do with the tithes of those who said, “I will tithe.” And we’ll thank God for every person who says, “Yes.” How about you? Are you happy so many tithe, or are you angry so many don’t? Your attitude going forward will depend on where you look.
“You’ll love the ambiance.”
“Great food! Great service! Great place!”
Great perspective. Sometimes we get caught up on the ones who "don't get it", instead of focusing on the ones who do. Not comparing yourself is key to living a fullfilled life. Me and my family have made the choice not to rob God of what is already His by giving Him from the first fruits of our "crop". and we have experience His provision over and over again. No matter what happens with our financial situation, my wife and I have made the decision, it's not an option. Thank you Mark for bringing that point home and reinforcing it's really God's and not our possessions, and not the other way around.
Posted by: Bruno | March 11, 2008 at 10:53 AM
I am thrilled that many chose to tithe, and dream of the day when I can. My husband and I particpated in the last Financial Peace University, and I started a second job to get done with Baby Step One. Instead, my husband lost his job and our emergency fund isn't even fully funded. Someday I hope that we can give 10%, save 10%, and live on 80%. Thank God for the people who can and will tithe.
Posted by: Kathleen | March 12, 2008 at 06:36 PM