I recently went for my regular 6-month check-up with my doctor. He took a look at all my blood-work and pronounced me fairly healthy. My cholesterol was a little high and I was a bit over weight, but otherwise OK. But as important as all the blood indicators were the questions he asked me:  How do you feel? How is your memory? How is your appetite? Any indigestion or heartburn? Are you experiencing any pain or headaches? You see, there are some things you just can’t measure with a test.

The church is often like that.  Yes, we need to look at some things that surely indicate the spiritual health of our church.  But other things come into play that tell us a lot.  Do visitors feel welcomed and wanted? Is the Spirit of God felt in our midst? Does the family of God love each other’s presence?  Is there a deep feeling of joy in our assembly? 

Of course I want our attendance to continue to grow.  I certainly agonize over a lack of baptisms.  There are several things that I would like to see improve.  But there is, in this church, some things that are so important, though unmeasurable.  The love of God, and each other, is evident in our times together.  The genuine love for, acceptance of, anyone and everyone who walks through these doors, is absolutely a sweet savor to the Lord.

Yes, let’s continue to strive to lead people to the Lord and to find ways to minister to our community.  That is our call.  But never forget that Church on the Bluff is a very special body of believers and I know that the Lord is so pleased with us in many ways. 

Pray constantly, work hard, and trust God!

Bro. Tony