TIDBITS FROM THE TABLE 2008-4

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord enthusiastically. Romans 12.11

As we continue on our “Recasting of our Future” journey, I am reminded of something I read during the last year. Author Dick Innes says that there are two serious diseases of the mind that most, if not all of us, will encounter at some time. These diseases have been the cause of ineffectiveness and the death of a great many churches. They can afflict the young, but mostly are seen in those who are above 40. The symptoms are often obvious to outsiders but usually totally oblivious to those inflicted with either of these diseases.

The first disease is "homeostatus" which Innes defines as “a clinging to the status quo with a refusal to change no matter what.” The ancient Israelites suffered from this disease when God delivered them out of Egypt. When things got tough on their road to "recovery," they doubted God and wanted to go back to Egypt. Crazy, you say, but that's what they wanted.

The other disease is "psychosclerosis." Innes says this is a hardening of the attitudes. This disease is equally destructive. Its symptoms can be varied such as legalism, rigidity, arrogance, apathy, having a closed mind and so on. It is just as deadly as homeostatus.

Satan will use these powerful weapons to keep us from going where God wants us to be. The only remedy is to daily commit and trust your life and way to God. Seek to know what His Bible teaches. Ask God every day to keep your eyes open and keep your spirit willing to listen to His truth. I’ll see you in Northgate’s future!

Chew on this for a while.

Brother Mark