While I tend to lean toward the cynical side when it comes to my view of western Christianity I realize there’s a lot of good being done out there. The fact is Christians are feeding the hungry, housing the homeless, caring for the sick and basically going about the work Jesus did while he was here on earth. Now we might not being doing everything we can and I think every one would agree we could all do better the bottom line is some really good stuff happens.

My struggle as a minister is what would be more effective when it comes to the work of the Kingdom of God? Should I decry the shortcomings of myself and my brothers and sisters or would it be better to shine the spotlight on the good that is being done? I find myself torn because I’m afraid the answer is yes.

What I mean is, to grab the attention of the faithful I need to show exactly how inadequate our efforts are and have been. On the other hand to reach those outside the faith I need to point them to the work that God is doing through His people.

I spend the vast majority of my time speaking to those who claim to be imitators of Christ. That seems to mean I spend the bulk of my time pointing out shortcomings. That really starts to wear on you after a couple of decades.

I hope that in the future I can spotlight what God is doing and both the lost and the saved will respond to the call. My heart is hopeful but my head is still very much a cynic. Talk about a split personality. I guess all any of us can do is trust God will use our shortcomings and weakness for His glory and leave it at that.

I think I’ll get a cup of coffee and have a discussion with myself. I think the cynic will win today but you never know.