Pastor's Corner
November 2005
"For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown
toward His name, in having ministered
and in still ministering to the saints."
Hebrews 6:10
The dictionary defines "loyal" as "unswerving in allegiance". I share that because I have been thinking a lot lately about loyalty. Much of my thought has been prompted by three funerals I have conducted in the past 2 weeks. One was for Nathalie Guy who attended Ustick for at least 20 years and who was teaching senior citizens the Word of God when I came. She was a dear "southern lady" from New Orleans who "ministered to the saints". The second funeral was for June McCray. June was at our church for several years with her husband Mack, a retired pastor (if there really is such a thing!) who was the Pastor of Visitation at Ustick 17 years ago when I came. While June's ministry was more at the other churches where her husband served, she continued to "minister to the saints" wherever she was. Finally this past week we had the funeral of Jeanne Walters. Jeanne had been at Ustick and a vital part of our fellowship for close to 50 years! She led a choir many years and was active in many ministries. She was someone who "ministered to the saints!"
So what does all this have to do with loyalty? Well, what all 3 of these dear ladies reminded me of was what it means to be loyal (again "unswerving allegiance"). They were loyal to their families, their friends, their church and most importantly, to the Lord! No doubt they were tempted to "quit" on relationships and even the church (when God's people were acting particularly ornery!). But they didn't. They pressed on in faithfulness and diligence, despite struggles and obstacles. Each of them fulfilled what Paul said in II Timothy 4:7 -
"I have fought the good fight
I have finished the course
I have kept the faith."
In a word, they were "loyal".
I thought about this (as I said), a great deal this week. In our "throw away world" where we quit on so much from relationships to jobs to even churches, it was good to reflect on some I knew who didn't do that. These who understood that loyalty matters! Most importantly they kept their loyalty to the Lord! Thus I believe that Hebrews 6:10 holds true for them. While time goes on for us and our memories of them may fade, God's “memory” will not grow dim or become vague. God will remember their work and the love they had for the saints and how they ministered in His name!
My question is, "Will the Lord have the same memory of us? Will He find us loyal lovers of His people and of our Lord?" That's what I desire for my life. How about you?
Serving with you,
P.S.
Jeanelle and I want to express our heartfelt thanks to all of you for your incredible kindnesses to us for “Pastor Appreciation”! Your cards, gifts and warm expressions of appreciation blessed us beyond words. Thank you all! Please know how much we consider it a privilege to serve the Lord with you at Ustick! We
appreciate you!
Pastor Greg
