Charles Lee

It’s another Sunday today and I’ve come to the realization that I’ve been speaking on most Sundays (or weekends) for close to 20 years of my life. I was taught in my years at seminary that whether I’m prepared or not, Sunday will always come each week. Ain’t that the truth!

Whether life is up or down, authentic or hypocritical, focused or indifferent, opportunities to share thoughts about God’s Word have come faithfully each week. It doesn’t matter how tired, busy, or uninspired I am, the weekend awaits.

In addition, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been challenged by God during my speaking opportunities. It’s quite humbling to be confronted by a portion of a message you thought was for someone else. I’ve learned that the majority of messages that I have shared are really my attempt to articulate what I perceive to be God’s metanarrative. This sounds noble and self-serving at the same time.

Would I trade my responsibility for anything in the world? No (at least, most weeks)! Here’s why:

• The Grace Factor
  • It’s an immense honor to do what I do. I think too many (including myself) have taken this privilege for granted. When I consider that God would even lead me to share thoughts about Him and humanity, I can’t be but deeply humbled. I’m the first one to recognize that it’s not ultimately about Sundays. Nevertheless, the thought of being used at any level by God to form the hearts of people is truly amazing.
• The Once Competitive, Now Collaborative Factor
  • I think I was born to compete. My competitive blood permeates most of the areas of my life. I’ve realized that in the early years, speaking was one of those areas. I worked so hard to become a better communicator. Quite honestly, I worked hard so that I could be a better communicator than others. (Totally self-centered, I know.) Fortunately, my perspective has changed over the years. Now I view speaking at churches as a collaborative effort in the Kingdom.
  • I find myself with a deep sense that I’m a part of a team of communicators all around the world entrusted with the responsibility of sharing and living out the truth of Christ. I no longer look at other communicators as my standard nor competition. We’re on the same team. Whether some of us speak to large crowds or small, the great Orchestrator of all of these opportunities views us as a team. Furthermore, I’ve discovered that platforming those who may be a source of jealousy for me is great medicine for my soul. Through highlighting others, I’ve come to appreciate the unique giftings that God has placed in the Church.
  • I love the Kingdom. It is so much more enjoyable to celebrate one another than it is to compete with one another.
• The Selfish Factor
  • I personally think that I would be so much further away from my relationship with God if I weren’t in a position to weekly explore his thoughts. On many occasions, I’ve gone kicking and screaming towards talk prep. It is so tempting just to wing it and enjoy more time with friends and family. Nevertheless, in most of these cases, spending time with God and His Word was exactly what I needed. In fact, I now realiz that I would have much less to offer my friends and family without these “forced” times.
  • I wonder if those who speak regularly at churches are the same way. Maybe God places us here because he knows we need to stay close…probably more than others. Agree?

There are many more reasons to be thankful for the responsibility of speaking. I hope that as you (who speak regularly) consider those, you would find a brief moment to thank God. May we never take this role for granted. It must be rooted in thankful humility towards the One who would entrust us at this level.

Have a great Sunday!

This post is tagged Charles Lee, Grace., Honor, Humility, Preaching, Privilege, Sharing God's Word, Weekend Services