By Steve Higginbotham
Last week’s sermon identified three qualities, that if possessed, can empower us to do whatever we set our mind to do (Genesis 11:1-9). As we reflect upon our accomplishments from last year, we have much for which to give thanks to God. But I’m excited about our potential as we look forward to the new year!
In order to be a success in 2012 as we have been in the past, we need to remember those three qualities:
UNITY. Unity is a necessary ingredient to the success of any organization or movement. A
friend of mine from Nigeria once said, “When two elephants fight, it’s the grass that suffers.”
The point he was making is that while those who get into “church fusses” may be big enough to
handle it, those around them may not be. The faith of the weak, the faith of our children, and
the church’s influence and outreach can be damaged and even destroyed by a lack of unity.
Commit yourself to becoming a peacemaker in 2012!
COMMUNICATION. A lack of communication breeds distrust. The church that communicates
breaks down barriers that hold people back, and keeps them from investing themselves fully.
Communication creates understanding, clarifies motives, and engenders an atmosphere for
growth. Let’s communicate with each other in 2012!
A WILLINGNESS TO WORK. In order for us to succeed in our mission, not only must we have the
insight to identify opportunities to minister in the name of Jesus, we must also have the
willingness to work. Identifying ways to serve is the easy part; stepping forward and enlisting
one’s service is much more difficult, but necessary for success. Let’s commit ourselves to
service in 2012!
When building the tower of Babel, the people possessed all three of the above mentioned qualities which caused the Lord to say, “Now nothing will be withheld from them which they have proposed to do” (Genesis 11:6). It took divine intervention to stop them from building this tower.
Consider therefore that if we will possess these three qualities, and use them in harmony with God’s will and purpose, what can stop us from accomplishing whatever we propose to do?