When Our Service Isn't What We Claim

Pastor Johnny Willis

Wherever they went, they profaned My holy name. - Ezekiel 36:20

If there is one thing That Pastor Joe has taught us all it is this: Ministries that reach a level of excellence know the importance of protecting their name and reputation. Shoddy quality or poor service can cause our ministry to lose its effectiveness.

While we were recently on a trip to California to secure more vendors, I saw the negative impact poor service can have on a customer. Our flights had been changed but no one thought it was important enough to post it on the monitors. When our flight arrived instead of us thinking we had a forty-five minute lay over, we were actually suppose to be boarding. Naturally we missed our flight. This cost us six hours of discomfort and waiting. We had to deal with a discourteous staff, and inconvenient conditions. The reaction of some of the travelers was predictable: frustration and anger. I doubt that many of those customers would ever fly with this company again. The agency's name had become one of mockery to those who had purchased a ticket to fly with them.

This reminds me of how Israel's behavior brought disrepute to God's name. Because they had lived like their pagan neighbors, the Lord scattered them among the nations. The unbelieving world laughed at both Israel and the name of her God.

Let's bring this situation up-to-date. As Christians, we bear the name of our Savior Jesus Christ. What does the world think of Him by what they see in us? Bringing honor to His name is more important than a great corporation living up to its name. Our lives really have only one purpose - to reflect our Lord. We must guard against doing anything that will cause others to disrespect His holy name. God Bless!!!

Pastor Johnny Willis