Take a few minutes to read this story about a lighthouse that lost its way:
Once upon a time there was a crude life-saving station with a modest lighthouse, building, and only one boat. The lighthouse was small, but it had a powerful beam. It was located near a reef where shipwrecks frequently occurred. A few dedicated individuals kept constant watch, scanning the water for any signs of people in trouble. So many lives were rescued over the years that the life-saving station became famous, and many others wanted to be a part of the excitement. They too, gave their time, talents, and treasures to support the work. New boats were purchased, and new crews trained. The little life-saving station grew rapidly with sweet camaraderie and unity.
Over time however, some of the members became dissatisfied with their crude and poorly-equipped building and the increased work load in caring for those rescued. They felt that a more comfortable place was needed. So the hut was enlarged, and new furnishings were provided. Now that the station was beautifully decorated, it became a popular meeting place for the members who began to call it “The Club.” Because they enjoyed being together in the rich and comfortable fellowship, many members lost interest in the life-saving rescue missions. So professional crews were hired to do this work. And although the life-saving vision was still embraced as the official purpose of the Club, it was no longer their primary mission.
About this time, a large ship was wrecked off the coast. The professional crews brought in boat loads of cold, half-dead victims. The filth, smell, and inconvenience sent the club into chaos. The property committee decided to build an outside shelter where the victims could be cleaned before entering the clubhouse.
At the next meeting, there was a split between the club’s membership. Most of the members wanted to terminate the club’s life-saving activities, which they had come to view as time consuming and costly. And besides, these activities were becoming a real hindrance to meeting the needs of club members. A few members continued to insist that life-saving was their primary purpose. So the majority of members conceded to provide financial assistance so that another life-saving station could carry on the work. This small minority built a simple hut down the coast where they continued their life-saving operations. As the years passed, however, this new station gradually evolved into “A Club,” and soon, yet another life-saving hut was founded. History continued to repeat itself until today on that same seacoast there are many clubs and many shipwrecks, but most of the people drown.
Now, read it again, and think of the church you go to every Sunday.
- Is your church a lighthouse or a “Club”?
- Is it a community of Christ followers who take the mission of Christ seriously, or is it a “Club” where members have benefits, but little or no responsibility?
- Are the needs of the members more important than the need to reach those far from God?
Jesus’ last words to his disciples were:
“Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned.” Mark 16:15-16 NLT (Emphasis mine)
The next time you are at church, think about this story, and ask yourself this question:
Is my church a lighthouse where lives are saved, or a “club” where members are served?
The answer may surprise you…
(Reference: Thanks to Dr. Perry Bowers of Focused Living Ministries for sharing this story with me.)
