There is a familiar scenario being played out in Washington these days. As a “lame-duck" White House and Congress try to carry on their work knowing that their terms will soon be at an end. Everyone goes through the motions, winking at the fact that what they are doing will have little impact on events since their authority is on hold until a new administration is sworn in.

I mention this because it seems that we are in danger of falling into the same trap here in Choctaw since I announced my resignation and departure a few months ago. This would be acceptable if we were the government or a business, but I hasten to add that since we are the church, a lame-duck attitude would be unbiblical and therefore unacceptable.

There are enough excuses to slow down the work and progress of the church without adding the resignation of the preacher to the list. For example, in the summer we have vacations as the reason for avoiding commitment; in the fall it's the start of school, hunting season, and Thanksgiving break. In the winter the Christmas holidays and bad weather keep us from attending regularly and springtime brings the start of Little League so…"you better find another person to teach my class."

Let's not use my leaving as a reason to stop sharing our faith, stop attending, giving, serving, or pushing to do great things and dream great dreams for the Lord. Let's realize that no matter how long between ministers, the Lord still requires His body to seek and save the lost, and minister to the saints.