If You Wouldn't Mind
GCD Weekly Newsletter, Wednesday 26th July 2023
“My name is Singh and I would love it if you wouldn’t mind terribly please writing a review if you wouldn’t mind. It would really help me, thank you, sorry to bother you sir. I hope you both enjoyed your meal.”
If you would believe it, that’s the abridged version of Singh’s speech.
Singh was the Maître d’ at the hotel my wife and I stayed in last night and as a treat for my wife’s birthday, he blew the roof off of our expectations. Sweet treats, a candle for Anna to blow out, a glass of champagne which Anna politely pretended to drink but all went to me—it was terrific—and impeccable service all round. I think every member of the waitstaff came over just to wish Anna a happy birthday. You’d think after all that, he might have some faith that it would be okay to ask for a favour in return.
I shook his hand, thanked him, and wrote my review.
I understood his struggle though, self-promotion is hard.
I say all of this because one of today’s articles is the third in a series I’ve written for GCD on why preaching is so important, how to actively engage with the sermon each Sunday, and how to bless and serve one’s pastor. Ordinarily I have no issue writing this newsletter because I love to promote the work of others, but today I feel like I’m saying “I would love it if you wouldn’t mind terribly please reading if you wouldn’t mind. Sorry to bother you. I hope you enjoyed the newsletter.”
That isn’t the case though.
The reason I write these newsletters, whether about my own work or anyone else’s, is the same reason Singh pulled out all the stops, to serve others. I spent time in prayer and at my writing desk to do all I could to serve you and so did every other writer I’ll talk about today. It isn’t for our good but for yours.
In his article from this past week, “Mind Your Platform” Adam Salloum speaks a good word about finding that balance:
“If you do have a sizeable platform, I pray that you have people around you who will help keep you grounded. Never forget that God cares more about who you are than any content you can produce. Tell the truth even if it hurts your brand. And if your platform ever becomes more about you than about Jesus, run as fast as you can. “
Each article written this past week was produced by an author who loves God and God’s people, written for his glory and your good.
Grace and Peace,
Adsum Try Ravenhill is married to Anna and together they are passionate about seeing young men and women discipled within the context of the local church. You can find Adsum through his writing at The Raven’s Writing Desk and you can also find Adsum’s articles for GCD here.
Last Week at GCDiscipleship.com
Not Just Good Theology, But Good Theology Delivered Well
by Courtney Yantes
Consider experts who write in such obtuse language that their audiences can barely understand what’s being said. And when readers can understand, they conclude that God must be boring and uncreative, which benefits no one.
The Greatest Treasure
by Jesse Welliver
“When I was young, I would hide my most valuable toys from my brothers. A squirrel hides its food for the winter, burying its edible treasure to help it survive the winter. In both cases, the most valuable items are the ones kept hidden. If God’s Word is indeed our treasure—the best thing we can put in our minds—we should seek to hide it in our hearts by incorporating Scripture memorization into the spiritual rhythms of our life.”
What’s A Sermon? A Perspective For People In The Pews (Part III Of III)
by Adsum Try Ravenhill
“We should not be passive participants in the work of the church as members, even when it comes to the sermon or the life of our pastor. He is meant to serve you, and you him. He is meant to teach you, but you are not therefore absolved from the commandment to make disciples.”