'No Time for Timidity!'

When Elijah was about to be taken into heaven on a chariot of fire, he asked his apprentice, Elisha, what he could do for him before he departed. What would you have asked of the prophet? His blessing? A letter of recommendation? Elisha wasted no time in boldly requesting, “Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit.”(2 Kings 2:9) What chutzpah! Elisha knew that the work ahead of him was going to require everything could muster. Are we that bold in asking for God’s power in our lives, or do we resign ourselves to a tough slough through life?

I was blessed to have a wonderful Christian father who set an example and mentored me in the faith. I remember saying to a friend in my early adulthood that, “I wish I were half the man my father is.” In retrospect, my timidity was masquerading as false humility. Why would I want only half the character, half the commitment, half the impact, or half the joy? Why would anyone settle for half? What if we as the church were only ‘half the church’ from the last generation. In four generations we would only be 6% of the former church’s power and potential! When we consider the exponential decrease, is that where we really want to go as families or as a church?        

What if we were bold like Elisha and asked for a double portion? What if each generation gave thanks for those who went before, but said, ‘God, do even greater things through us’? We wouldn’t be a 6% church in four generations, we would be a 1,600% church! Why be half when Jesus is calling us to be so much more?!

 Susie May Munholland was an amazing person. She is our modern day Elijah. She served the Lord boldly in her teen years in a mission endeavor in the Irish Channel. Married to a minister, she served in many churches in southern Louisiana.  After her husband died, she petitioned for the building of a church in Metairie and gladly gave 1/3 of the money needed to purchase the property upon which our church now stands. Susie May gave, served, and found deep joy in God’s work here at Munholland.  Munholland grew through the years due to many people like Susie May, who loved God, gave generously, and served joyfully in the church and community.  

Many people might look back and say, ‘Ah, those were the golden years.’ But those ‘golden years’ didn’t just happen. They came with love, commitment, courage, setbacks, sacrifice, and generosity. It is that very mantle that has been given to us. It is our turn to generously support the work of God and serve with abandonment. Metairie is every bit as much in need of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and Munholland’s life of faith as during the time of Susie May. My prayer is that God will give us a double portion of Susie May’s spirit to make a great impact on this community. This is no time for timidity. There is too much at stake.

 Walking in the Way,

Jonathan