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Perceptions #200107
"Follow-Through"
by Dr. Eddie Randolph
The extent of my golf training was a 1-credit hour course in college. For graduation to become a reality, I still had to take a "physical education" requirement. It was, in reality, neither physical nor educational. The class, covering the span of several weeks, was conducted on the college baseball field. That's right - the baseball field. What's more during the span of the entire class, we never hit a real golf ball. We practiced with "wiffle balls" - the harmless porous type you could allow your kids to use around the good china.
If you witness my golf game, you would probably conclude the class was a waste of time. However, I did learn something: proper follow-through and consistency are essential. Actually, I learned the principle, not the technique.
In the realm of church rhetoric, we have learned a great many things in principle (i.e., we understand the reason and theory). The rub comes in the technique (i.e., when we are faced with follow through and consistency). Often, it is not the vision or ideas that are flawed, but the execution.
The biblical notion behind this is "discipline." The Apostle Paul said, "I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize" (1 Cor. 9:26-27). Paul said in this context that he takes living the Christian life seriously and was willing to forego his own "rights" so that the gospel could be spread. That takes discipline.
What Paul says about his own style can be said of individual morality, congregational vision, and growth of the kingdom - consistency and follow through action are essential. How often do we have good intentions (personally and congregationally), yet do not take action. How often do we get bogged down with things that are irrelevant instead of keeping first things first? How often do we pursue an activity or ministry without asking, "how does this fit?"
Many a good Christian and many a good church leader have lost their way. It isn't a matter of what to do, but a lack of consistent execution. I find it easier to do in most areas of my life than it is in my golf game.
Eddie's email address is: Erandolph1@aol.com