We’ve already established that record keeping and reporting does not have to stand in conflict with God’s ways and power. In fact, they can be a testament to God. That is, as long as we are not basing record keeping on human wisdom. Notice what the Apostle Paul wrote:
For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel — not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. (1 Cor. 1:17-18)
Here’s how record keeping based on human wisdom can rob the cross of its power:
1) Human wisdom says the more numbers the better. God, however, looks for more than warm bodies to fill our churches. He desires hearts fully devoted to Him, lives changed by the power of the Gospel. When we use a standard of measurement different from God’s, we are robbing the cross of its power. — Our goals in record keeping need to line up with His!
2) Human wisdom says our records reflect what we have accomplished. God, however, brings the change and growth because of the cross of Jesus. We merely plant and water. See 1 Corinthians 3:7. When we look at ourselves as the source of what is good, we are robbing the cross of its power. — Our praise needs to go to Him!
3) Human wisdom says that an analysis of the records will determine what we can and cannot do in the future. God’s power, however, determines the possibilities. Our records are just the starting point. When we sum it all up based on what’s on a piece of paper, we empty the cross of its power. God raised Jesus from the dead! Nothing is impossible. Our future possibilities need to depend on Him!
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 Record Keeping Resources
- 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