Focusing Our Efforts

Luke 7:24-29

Why do you go to church? Several years ago, a man told me I should go to a revival with him. I asked him why he went, and his answer was “because I like it.” Having been around the area for a while, I knew about the “evangelist” who was conducting it, and decided not to go, but it reinforced an important point.

A very successful internet business man says that one of the most common mistakes is concern with the how many visitors are obtained at a site. Traffic is meaningless unless they buy. Ten people who come to buy are worth more than a million who just visited. In order to increase business, draw buyers. If they came because they think you have what they need, they are likely to buy if it is available. On the other hand, if they came looking for something other than what you have, they are not likely to buy. Far too much advertising is expended on attracting the general public, rather than the ones who need or want the products you have.

Many people never consider their own reasons for going or what the possibility of being satisfied is. People who go for entertainment are going to expect polished professional performances. Those who come for an emotional high are going to expect a dynamic and exciting series of events. Those who attend a church for political or professional advantage are more concerned with the size and make up of the membership than with the teachings or activities. People who feel the church doesn’t meet their needs will not be deeply involved. Jesus asked the people why they went to hear John.

“And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts.” (Luke 7:24-25)

Some just went for the novelty. Here was a man attracting a lot of attention and performing baptisms that might be entertaining to watch for a few moments. Some went for the fashion show. After all John was so clearly out of fashion. Those who focused on his dress would not find anything to hold them. That could only be found among the rich. Years ago I was given a book, Dress for Success, and told how much it would help my ministry. I had my doubts, but experimented a little and found that the only difference it made was why people came. Far too often, our efforts to get people to church focus on superficial motives such as an exciting or famous preacher, a musical group, or an exciting program. Jesus pointed out the reason most of them came.

“But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet. This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he. And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.” (Luke 7:26-29)

The entertainment or fashion was not enough to draw or hold many people. Entertainment, celebrities and political or social advantage are only temporary draws and require constant attention to maintain. The world offers a wider, richer variety, and will probably draw them away.

The people who came to hear John preach came because they believed he was a prophet sent from God, and they wanted to know what God said. Even if they rejected the message after they heard it, they had obtained what they came for. Many times by getting people to come for other reasons than hearing the word of God, we cheapen it in their eyes, implying that it isn’t important enough itself, and making them feel cheated because the reason they came didn’t live up to it’s billing.

Jesus then reinforced what John had taught and reassured them that it didn’t end with John’s imprisonment. While John was the greatest of prophets, everyone could attain the same level. God doesn’t want us focusing on man, and is no respecter of persons. Contrary to the Pharisaical tradition, one man was not better than another. For the common people and the publicans, this was a tremendous blessing. They were not excluded because they were not the priests or members of the upper class.

If we concentrate on finding and drawing those who want what we have to offer, and making sure we deliver the things they need promptly, we will establish a solid base of satisfied customers which we can expand. If we don’t focus, we spend time giving that which is holy to dogs and casting our pearls before swine. We need to make it clear what we have to offer.