August 27

Day 166: Expiration Date

William Henry Harrison was the 9th President of the US. He died 31 days after taking office. When historians "rank" the Presidents, they usually don't even bother to include Harrison.

If it were choosing up sides for kickball, Harrison would be the last kid chosen. If it were the NFL Draft, Harrison would be the unenviable "Mr. Irrelevant."

My memory may fail, but I don't recall ever being the last kid chosen (thank you very much.) I've never been a prospect for the NFL Draft, let alone a sitting US President.

But at times I relate to Harrison. Taking up residence and ministry in Alaska will do that. No longer a part of the "larger conversation." Out of sight, out of mind, I suppose.

But I cannot say I am any different from anyone else I/we are connected to.

Our church is aligned with a well-known church planting network. I've been a member of this network for 16 years. That's a long time in anyone's book.

In our history, and in spite of what we collectively try to say, we tend to lionize the known guys who plant and lead the known churches. We won't admit to it, but we believe bigger is better.

We admire the ones where "The church grows. The money flows." Problem is, "The mission goes" is sometimes the inevitable byproduct.

If our network, of which I remain quite fond, has been historically guilty of anything, it is the twin sins of vanity and envy. The ones who have, have. The ones who do not, want.

Vanity asks the rhetorical question, "How come I'm not asked my opinion, or encouraged to write books or speak at conferences?" Envy asks the question, "Why them, and not me?"

Because the Lord has determined that some of us are to be content to be good and faithful foot soldiers. And a few of us are called to be good and faithful in the frozen hinterlands.

The Holy Spirit gives each para-church organization and network an expiration date. While it is promised the Church will endure, organizations and networks have a shelf life.

Same is true for me. And you. We each have a shelf life. We each come with an expiration date.

It may be that our endeavors will result in a gospel legacy that carries in memory for generations. Or it may be our tenure is short, even 31 days short.

But we're ultimately all the same. Psalm 102:3 tells us that "[our] days pass away like smoke."

And while my days pass by quicker than I may think or choose, I will spend a portion of those days fighting the twin sins of vanity and envy.

Hopefully to be replaced with goodness and faithfulness. At my expiration date I'd like to hear "Well done, good and faithful servant."

- Mike Rydman, Lead Pastor, Radiant Church | Juneau