A Romans Road to Your Pastor's Heart

The ancient Roman Empire spanned a vast territory. Consequently, someone envisioned the value of speeding up the delivery of economic goods, military troops, and communication. So the idea of a super transport system using diverse types of roads was introduced.

Most thought it was impossible. But eventually, through advanced technology, 50,000 miles of roads were constructed (equivalent to 18 highways from our East Coast to West Coast). Some were paved with natural stone and others from volcanic ash and lime. Using sophisticated surveying tools, they were known for their high quality of construction.

Likewise, Apple is known for a high quality delivery system of economic goods, military troops, and communication. Apple is today what the Roman Road was during the early days of Christianity. A tool ... one that can be used for good or bad.

Ironically, the infrastructure of the empire that tried to destroy Christianity also made it possible for the gospel to spread to the remote regions of the known world. I remember standing on the remains of the Roman Road in Philippi several years ago, thinking how grateful Paul must have been for the inventor of the equipment that facilitated the rapid spread of the gospel. It made fulfilling the call of God upon his life much more efficient and easier.

In that regard, I am grateful for Steve Jobs. He probably had no idea he was helping pastors in their call to help people find their way to Christ. In the big scheme of things, we need to thank God for His providence in providing tools we can use to communicate more efficiently and effectively.

During this Pastor Appreciation Month, let's capitalize on this technology that has taken away all excuses for not expressing gratitude for your pastor. At the minimum, we can:

● Type a quick email saying "thank you" for all the hours of labor and intense battle against the enemy he is willing to engage.

● Post on Facebook your appreciation for his willingness to serve you and others.

● Tweet your gratitude for his sacrifice and love for his family.

● Add him to your calendar reminder to pray for him every Lord's Day.

● Use a picture of your church as wallpaper as a daily prompt to stay connected.

● Set up electronic payment to ensure you financially support your church.

● Even send a gift card from Amazon.com as a "thank you" this month.

And perhaps the best thing you could possibly do is sponsor him (or team up with others to sponsor him) for a week away at The Lodge. Just go to www.retreatatthelodge.com where you can sponsor your pastor (or other pastoral staff). I promise it will encourage him more than you can imagine, plus it will build his marriage at a time when the enemy is on a massive pastor-hunt.

Thank you, Apple, for helping us pastor the pastors.

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