Christian Living

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Larry Lilly's Letter Tuesday November 27, 2007

Well, here goes. Ole Larry is diving in where angels are at least hesitant if not outright fearful to tread.

Bill Hybels. Bill's church, Willow Creek recently had the courage to admit they had failed in their stated purpose, to develop disciples and had only grown crowds. Huge crowds to be sure, but not what they started out to do. This statement took a mountain of courage. Most would never make such a statement as they have no clear idea of what they are trying to do.

In an article on the difference between leading a volunteer group verse a business as a guest writer in Leadership Bill said:

"In church work, people must be motivated internally. The scripture says unless the Lord builds the house, unless people have an internal want-to, leaders have no power, no leverage, and no buttons to push."

I know legions of pastors who do NOT grasp this truth. In our town alone a long line of would be MacArthur's, Patton's and Vince Lombardy's imagine they have the same power over their volunteers, yet they cannot have a disobedient member shot, or court marshaled, or demand ten pushups. Most members couldn't do ten pushups if their life depended on it and most of us who could, would tell said tyrannical pastor exactly where to go.

I was struck by Pastor Hybels emphasis on "internal want-to." In the long run religious groups will get more done when we repent and start taking the time to truly build people in the most holy faith, rather than constantly implementing the latest Peter Drucker idea from the business world, though I do admit that any recent idea from Mr. Drucker would be his best ever. Internal motivation based on want-to. WOW what a novel idea.

Let me move from the business/volunteer world to love and marriage to illustrate the point Christ makes throughout the gospels about service. In March of 1990 I received a letter from Dr. Robertson McQuilken in which he stated that due to the illness of his beloved wife Muriel, he was leaving the presidency of Columbia Bible College. She was suffering from Alzheimer disease. He spoke of their love and life together and told how desperately she needed him. He spoke of his duty and then said words that burned their way into my heart:

"I do not have to care for her. I get to."

Want-to. Internal motivation. Recognizing Intrinsic Value. Fire in the Belly. Our lives will take on new vitality when we move from having to give the Lord a little time, to "I get to serve today, this week." You get the idea. I hope.

Larry Lilly Copyright © 2007 Use with credit.

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