When reading through Scripture it’s easy to skip over the genealogical records, counting of the tribes of Israel, and so forth, as too tedious. Why did God include all those records? There must more to it than providing us with a precedence for record keeping.
Reason for Providing Record Keeping Precedence in the Word
Let’s remember that “ALL Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim. 3:16-17). Also be reminded that “EVERYTHING that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope” (Rom. 15:4)
Perhaps we’ll value the detailed accounts in Scripture more if we consider what’s behind them. For example, we might ask why God lists names upon names. What does He want us to learn from them? Certainly we can conclude that people matter to God. Individuals matter.
- When it comes to church records, let’s look beyond the numbers and names to the people they represent, to those who belong to the Body. Value each one. See the part every person has.
Just as God uses even the genealogies and other detailed accounts in Scripture for various purposes, so we should seek to use our record keeping in spiritually productive ways.
- Let’s not merely make busy work for people that has no real value. Have a purpose in collecting and recording data. We can use the records as a call to pray for God’s help and/or a reason to praise Him. They can give glimpses of hope, that all is not in vain. They can challenge us for where we need to trust God more.
We learn about the character and ways of God in the Bible. So, rather than dismiss these parts of the Bible, ask what they teach us about God. As suggested in the post, Record Keeping & God’s Power?, they show us the power of God. When comparing the first set of records to a later set, as in the counting of the tribes of Israel, we discover a faithful God who keeps His promises.
- Think about how you can communicate church records, whether that be financial, attendance or other, in ways that point to God. What is God doing in your midst? How has He proved Himself faithful?
For More on These Topics:
All Posts about Records and Reporting:
- Record Keeping & Reporting: Measure Your Objectives
- Record Keeping & Reporting: Keep Pulse on Body
- Record Keeping & Reporting: Facilitate Ministry
- Record Keeping & Reporting: Assess Growth
- Church Records Management
- Transparency in Church Records Management
- Confidentiality in Church Records Management
- Responsibility in Church Records Management
- We’ve Been Hacked!
- Record Keeping & God’s Power?
- Record Keeping Based on Human Wisdom
- Records & Reporting Point Back to God’s Grace?
- Record Keeping & Reporting Kept in Check by God’s Grace
- Records Keeping & Spiritual Gifts
- Record Keeping That’s Not Mundane
- Lay It All Before the Lord
- Meaningful Record Keeping
- Whether Good or Bad, Make Records about the Name of the Lord
- Records and Reports from the Resurrection
- Record Keeping Precedence in the Word
- How Biblical Leadership Roles Affect Record Keeping
- Are You a Good Example in the Use of Church Records?
- Records Don’t Lie But …