Martin Wickens

We sometimes underestimate the importance of normal, even the mundane, of simply keeping the lights on.

The Desire to Improve

Human nature is a complicated set of seemingly contradictory traits. Our sinful nature is lazy, selfish, and self-destructive. Yet, God seems to have hardwired into us something that struggles against that. This is not a statement about original sin, our sin nature, or righteousness in the eyes of God, but something downstream, something connected but not identical.

Because while we are many negative things most people, to a greater or lesser degree, want to move forward and grow. Children’s minds soak up information and learn. Athletes strive to improve themselves mentally and spiritually to beat their personal best or defeat their opponents. Scientists endeavor to make new discoveries or applications for old ones. Explorers for millennia have stepped further into the wilderness, deeper into the sea, or higher into space. The majority want to simply earn more in order to live a more comfortable life and look after loved ones.

We are lazy, selfish, self-destructive sinners with a contradictory desire to grow and improve. The worst of humanity reveals itself when that desire becomes frustrated.

A Pastor’s Frustration

Pastors are not immune from that desire to grow and improve.

I am rejoicing to see all that the Lord is doing in our church. We are not without needs and concerns, but we can see God working in our lives and it is exciting to think about what God has in store for the year ahead.

But in the past, as a pastor, I have known the frustration that many pastors experience. It is maybe something you can relate to even as you read this. You long to see people saved and growing. You want to see the church you serve grow numerically. You want to see more Christians actively serving. Yet, for a season, those things seem absent.

I understand your frustration. It is not because you are angry. You are not aiming to build an empire or make a name for yourself. You just want to glorify God and know that the people you lead are spiritually healthy.

It is because you care deeply that you feel frustrated. The goals you believe God wants you to achieve feel impossible to reach. It should maybe be reconsidered if the goals are God’s, our own, or other people’s.

A Curse of Social Media and the Internet

Not too long ago newspapers, books, pastors fellowships, and perhaps a little gossip, were the only way we knew what was happening nationally and internationally. Information spread slowly and at a pace that could be absorbed and processed. Your good day was not ruined by comparison with someone’s better day. Your bad day maybe didn’t seem as bad because you had little with which to compare it.

Now? The moment someone sees “success” or “failure” it is broadcast online for all the world to see. You can all too easily compare what others have seen or done. Your good day now feels bad. Your bad day seems even worse.

The relentless pressure to grow, improve, and pioneer finds little or no relief.

What can we do?

Keep the Lights On

God’s Word gives us many wise words to comfort us. I want to focus on one truth – do not underestimate the importance of keeping the lights on.

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 

Galations 6:9

Don’t grow weary. Wait. Hope. Rest in God. One day, you will reap a harvest. Don’t presume upon what the harvest will be. Let God give what He determines best for your labor. Keep the lights on.

Continue doing what God has called you to do. Others may thrive while you just survive. Keep the lights on.

It may feel like the church you serve is a way station, pilgrims stop for a while but mostly move on. Keep the lights on.

The big conference, the latest “Top Ten Ways You’re Failing” post, and the do-it-this-way method, may all feel more of a discouragement than a help. Keep the lights on.

Lighthouses need a lightkeeper. God’s house needs lightkeepers. If only one ship avoids the rocks and makes harbor, the lightkeeper will be content. Keep the lights on.

Don’t despise the day of small things, and do not underestimate the importance of “just” keeping the lights on.