In his book “Holy Discontent”, Bill Hybels reminds us of a balding, mischievous cartoon character that many of us grew up with, known as Popeye, the Sailor Man. Popeye had a gravely voice, smoked a corncob pipe and had tattoos on his massive forearms. Normally, Popeye was a laid-back, easy going sort of guy. Most of the time he had a long fuse and he took a lot of frustrating failures and disappointments in stride. However, the one thing that would cause him to spring into action was the threat of harm to his beloved girlfriend, Olive Oyl. If Olive was in danger his pulse would race, his blood pressure would skyrocket and his anger would begin to boil. He would take it as long as he could, but then he would reach the end of his rope and he’d utter those famous words. “That’s all I can stands, and I can’t stands no more!” Not the best grammar, but the point was it was now time for action. The sufficiently enraged Popeye would rip open a can of spinach and swallow the green lump in one giant gulp. [I’ve always wondered if there was some conspiracy between spinach growers, vegetarians and parents to persuade kids to eat to this nasty stuff].
Immediately, Popeye would be infused with remarkable power. His forearms would quadruple in size and he would become an unstoppable force. The opposition (usually Brutus) would be crushed and his precious Olive Oyl would be saved. Then Popeye would sing himself off the screen: “I’m strong to the finich, ’cause I eats me spinach … I’m Popeye the Sailor Man!” What a show! I bet you’re singing the song even now.
Hybels goes on to ask the question, what is the one thing that you “can’t stands no more”? For Moses it was the fact that his people were in bondage and were being mistreated. For Nehemiah it was the fact that the walls of Jerusalem were broken down and God’s people were in defenseless. For Martin Luther it was the corruption of the church and the selling of indulgences that caused him to nail his “95 Theses” to the door of Wittenburg Castle. For William Wilberforce, it was the cruelty of slave trade. For Martin Luther King, it was the cause of racism in the 50’s and 60’s.
What is the passion that fuels our ministry efforts? Is there something that serves as a catalyst? Is there a “Holy Discontent” that motivates you to get up off the couch and do something?
As part of our fall series of messages on “Living a Life That Matters” we have been talking about finding our niche, our place of ministry. One step in that process is uncovering our passion. The thing that really motivates us. [If you came on Sunday evening we are working through some exercises that will help you discover your particular passion/heart for ministry]. I encourage you to think about your inner motivation. What is it that you can’t stand? What is the one thing that grabs your heart and won’t let go? Is it hungry children? Abused women? The homeless? People enslaved to drugs or alcohol? Those dying with cancer? Is it a cause like caring for the unborn, or racism, or social justice? Is your passion reaching the lost or missions? I would encourage you to stir that passion, fuel that discontent and find a way to get involved. When you do, you will begin to realize this is why you’re here. This is why you were created. This is what you were meant to do. I’m praying that God will help you discover your passion for ministry.
Have a great week!
Pastor Barry
Immediately, Popeye would be infused with remarkable power. His forearms would quadruple in size and he would become an unstoppable force. The opposition (usually Brutus) would be crushed and his precious Olive Oyl would be saved. Then Popeye would sing himself off the screen: “I’m strong to the finich, ’cause I eats me spinach … I’m Popeye the Sailor Man!” What a show! I bet you’re singing the song even now.
Hybels goes on to ask the question, what is the one thing that you “can’t stands no more”? For Moses it was the fact that his people were in bondage and were being mistreated. For Nehemiah it was the fact that the walls of Jerusalem were broken down and God’s people were in defenseless. For Martin Luther it was the corruption of the church and the selling of indulgences that caused him to nail his “95 Theses” to the door of Wittenburg Castle. For William Wilberforce, it was the cruelty of slave trade. For Martin Luther King, it was the cause of racism in the 50’s and 60’s.
What is the passion that fuels our ministry efforts? Is there something that serves as a catalyst? Is there a “Holy Discontent” that motivates you to get up off the couch and do something?
As part of our fall series of messages on “Living a Life That Matters” we have been talking about finding our niche, our place of ministry. One step in that process is uncovering our passion. The thing that really motivates us. [If you came on Sunday evening we are working through some exercises that will help you discover your particular passion/heart for ministry]. I encourage you to think about your inner motivation. What is it that you can’t stand? What is the one thing that grabs your heart and won’t let go? Is it hungry children? Abused women? The homeless? People enslaved to drugs or alcohol? Those dying with cancer? Is it a cause like caring for the unborn, or racism, or social justice? Is your passion reaching the lost or missions? I would encourage you to stir that passion, fuel that discontent and find a way to get involved. When you do, you will begin to realize this is why you’re here. This is why you were created. This is what you were meant to do. I’m praying that God will help you discover your passion for ministry.
Have a great week!
Pastor Barry
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