Day 9: No Excuses
Read Luke 14:15-24
“Come, for everything is ready now. But they all alike began to make excuses.” (Luke 14:17-18)
How many reasons are there for not participating in a capital campaign? The possibilities are endless! There are more than enough reasons to justify anyone.
The most important piece of a jigsaw puzzle is the piece that is missing. Every part is essential in making the whole picture work. This is Synergy.
What is synergy? Synergy is a word best understood when divided. Ergo, is Greek for work, while the prefix syn means together. When merged, the words mean “working together.” However, there is more. Synergy is better defined to say that the result accomplished is greater than the individual parts. Sports teams demonstrate the meaning of synergy. Playing together makes them better than playing as individuals. However, even one team member failing to do his or her part can make everyone lose. Just like one musician not in concert with the orchestra can ruin the music.
A fighter jet was damaged and barely made a safe landing. The same plane was needed for a critical mission the next morning. A maintenance crew worked all night to make repairs. At dawn, the pilot asked the mechanic if the plane was good to go. “Sir,” he replied, “if this plane does not complete its mission, it will not be because of me.”
Your participation with this local church to accomplish the mission of God in the world is unquestionably significant. No one can give your part but you.
Prayer: Lord, when your call challenges me, it is easy for me to excuse myself. Convict me! Compel me to respond to your call in whatever ways I can and give me the courage to do what you ask of me.
Action Item: If you have already made up your list of excuses, then take that list and offer it up as a burnt sacrifice. Go back to the list you made on day three - the list of reasons why continuing to move forward towards living “on mission” through our campaign is essential. Looking over that list, can you now find reasons to give?