"Getting More from Lesss"

“Getting More from Less”

My family moved from Brooklyn to the Long Island suburbs in 1948. Over the next twelve years I was told the population of my home town grew from about 700 to almost 20,000. In order to accommodate this rapid post-World War II expansion many area potato farms were purchased on which what today would be called starter homes were built. So how did a new fast-food chain named McDonald’s find enough spuds for its French Fries? Agricultural science must have discovered new methods to produce larger crops on less land. In more recent times Florida has seen many citrus groves disappear to provide retirement homes for northerners (like Karen and me) who wanted to escape snowy winters. As with Long Island’s potatoes new types of trees were likely developed to keep Americans in orange and grapefruit juice for breakfast. The same scenario has probably been seen in other parts of our country: getting more from less.

In my early days as a pastor I put in many hours but didn’t use them efficiently. As the years went on and I gained experience I began to work smarter and my ministry became more effective. And as an added bonus God gave me more family and personal time which was a blessing. I only wish I’d learned this lesson sooner.

Our Men’s Bible Study completed a study of Ecclesiastes not long ago (took us about two years). Among the most challenging statements Solomon makes is, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might….” (9:10). In other words, “Work as hard as you can.” Right? Not really. Israel’s wise (but flawed as we all are) king went on to say, “If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed but skill will bring success.” (10:10). Put differently. “Work smarter and you’ll accomplish a whole lot more.” Right? You betcha!

The Apostle Paul worked harder than most but he did so with a sharp ax. Some of the methods he employed in his ministry included going to larger cities from which the Word could spread (“The Lord’s message sounded out from you…{and} your faith in God has become known everywhere."--1 Thessalonians 1:8); he trained young men to assist (“…The things you have heard me say…entrust to reliable {people} who will also be qualified to teach others.”—2 Timothy 2:2); he planted churches led by trained elders (“Paul and Barnabas appointed elders…in each church….”—Acts 14:23); he changed his approach but not his message as needed (“I have become all things to all {people} so that by all possible means I might save some.”—1 Corinthians 9:22) and he wrote letters to address issues and give instructions (13 in the New Testament).

Want to get more from less? Sharpen your ax and see what happens.

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan