We just finished our Bible Conference and it’s time to reflect. As I think about what has transpired the last four days many things come to mind. It has been a joyous time. Who can describe the joy of being reunited with old friends, the excitement of making new friends, or the blessing of seeing your loved ones blessed? Words fail me.
However, instead of talking about all of the pleasant things we experienced, I want to focus on a few lessons I’ve learned as a result of this conference.
#1. I learned that we’re all getting older! I’ve been aware of the fact that I’m getting older, but now I can see that we’re all in the same boat in this regards. I won’t go into detail, but the evidence is there for all to see. Even the best make-up and hair color can’t hide this fact.
#2. I learned that sometimes good people who truly love the Lord are denied certain blessings. Some of our dear members, who would have loved to attend the conference,could not do so because of reasons beyond their control. That doesn’t seem fair. Why was I granted such a wonderful privilege that to others was denied? I don’t have the answer.They missed a blessing and they know it and my heart hurts for them.
#3. I learned that not everyone has an interest in God’s word, nor a desire for Christian fellowship, nor a heart to serve. I could say a lot about this, but it would probably destroy the purpose of this little chat. I just don’t understand how any Christian could intentionally miss a meeting like this.
#4. I learned that some people actually enjoy the hard work that is required to host a conference such as this. Strange–those who had the biggest smiles had sweat on their brow. I did not hear one word of complaint from those folks–I knew I wouldn’t. They have discovered the joy of being a servant. Some of these people were hurting physically yet they did their job. The queston is, did they have to do your job also?
#5. I learned that some preachers actually do remain faithful. Why do we give so much attention to the one falling star, rather than those who stay in their God-appointed orbit? I’ve know some of these preachers for 40 years and they have remained true to God’s word. Hats off fellows!
#6. I learned that there are some young preachers after all. I often think about the lack of young preachers and am troubled by it, but there are some! I was greatly encouraged by these young guys. I had to hold back the tears as I watched them. I want to help them anyway, any time I can.
#7. I learned that there is always more to learn. I wish I had time to talk more about this. Regardless of how long we live or how much we know there is always more, much more, to be learned. We should never stop being students.
#8. I learned that there are some young people who truly love God and have a desire to serve Him. I saw many examples of this, but one example stands out. After the last service, when I wanted to say goodbye to my friends, a 10-12 year old boy asked to talk to me. He had a handful of tracts and asked if I would give him some advice about how to talk to his friend about Christ.Wow! How do you refuse a kid like that? He got the message about getting the message out. I know some folks who have lived three-score and ten who still haven’t got the message. Shame on them!
#9. I learned that Satan never, ever quits fighting. He simply doesn’t give up. Everyone should expect that Satan will resist us anytime, any place, and any way. Any progress we make will have to be made in the face of opposition. So be it!
#10. I learned some things about myself. I hope that can be said of all who attended. Now I’m not going to get too personal and spill my guts about myself (I wonder how much we would love one another if we knew everything about each other?), but there is a matter I want to mention. I could talk about a lot of my faults –I’m not as good as I ought to be, nor as smart as I could be, nor as wise as I should be, nor as holy as I want to be, but I want just want to mention one thing— I’m not as strong as I used to be. The effort required to host the conference evidences the fact that my strength has waned. I can deny it all I want, but that doesn’t change the facts.
I can remember a time when I was strong enough to do what would now be impossible, but time has changed my body and I’m no longer able to do things that used to be done with ease. I now have limitations that I didn’t have before and there is a price to pay if I try to exceed them.
I’m not trying to get your sympathy. I’m sending you a message. Are you listening? Time will make these same changes in your life–like it or not. This conference served to remind me that the battle is fierce, the enemy is determined, the cause is great, our needs are many and varied, life is short, and we stand in constant need of help that God alone can provide. You won’t always be able to do what you can do now. Don’t waste your opportunities! Make the best use of every moment. As Jesus said,”the night cometh, when no man can work.”(John 9:4). Think about it!
