Several years ago, I sat in on a church business meeting. I had not actually gone to church to attend the business meeting, but I was already there, so I stayed. After all, if I had gone home, I would have probably watched television, and there is no way that a TV show could be as entertaining as a church business meeting.
The first order of business was the finance report. It was noted that the church had over $30,000 in a savings account that had been sitting idle in this account for several years. Nothing else was mentioned about the $30,000 and the finance report was approved.
When it came time for new business, someone mentioned that there were several families that lived in a certain area who had expressed an interest in coming to church. The only problem was, because some of the parents were working singles, they had no transportation for their children. In other words, they wanted to come to church but did not have a way to get there.
Eventually, the discussion centered on the prospect of the church buying a small van to pick up these people and bring them to church. It was at this point the chairman of the board of deacons stood up and made this remark. He said, “I’m sure if we buy this van, that we will be able to pick up a few new people in the church. And, I realize that there may be some new converts. But, I would rather have the money in the bank than a few new faces in the church. Wouldn’t you?”
I could hardly believe my ears. How can we place a price on the lives of those who are lost? How can we put a limited value on a soul? Jesus gave everything for them. We should do the same.
Follow Jesus’ Example
In Matthew 18:11-14, Jesus said,
For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost. What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying?
And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.
(Matt. 18:11-14)
Here Jesus made a very interesting statement. He said that God, the Father, in heaven does not want anyone to perish. He wants everyone to be in the fold. It is His will that no one should be destroyed.
Now, of course there are restrictions. Sometimes we just don’t have the resources to do everything we want to do. But we must make every attempt to spread the good news of Jesus.
Later at the same business meeting, someone asked the deacon who didn’t want to spend the money, what he would rather do with the $30,000. He said, “I’d rather just leave it in the bank and do nothing with it.” And that’s what they voted to do.
So, here’s the point. We must have the same goals and desires that God has. God’s desire is that all should be saved. He has brought the “Good News” of salvation to a lost and dying world. We must now do our part. We must do all we can. We must do whatever is necessary. We must win the lost, whatever the cost.
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Dr. Larry Ollison is founder and Senior Pastor of Walk on the Water Faith Church and founder of Larry Ollison Ministries. With over forty years in the ministry, he is a very popular speaker nationally and internationally and ministers the Word of Faith through radio, television, Internet, and daily e-mail devotionals. As the author of twelve books (including The Power of Grace, The Practical Handbook for Christian Living, Breaking the Cycle of Offense, Life is in the Blood, and recently released The Paradise of God), he is in frequent demand for radio/TV interviews, book signings, and magazine publications.
Dr. Ollison was raised a Southern Baptist. While majoring in theology at Southwest Baptist University, he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. For many years he traveled extensively speaking at Full Gospel Business Men's meetings and conventions. He later earned an M.A. in Theology and a Ph.D. and Th.D. from Life Christian University.
Currently President of International Convention of Faith Ministries (ICFM), Dr. Ollison is also Vice-President of Spirit FM Christian Radio Network, Missouri State Director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), and a Trustee on the boards of several international ministries. He is also the host of The Cutting Edge Radio Broadcast and authors The Cutting Edge Daily Devotional.
As the owner of a marine dealership, his extensive business background brings a unique flavor to his teaching. He founded and served as chairman of the Missouri State Marine Board, President of the Marine Dealers’ Association, Vice-President of a bank holding company, along with holding several directorships in various corporations.
Dr. Ollison's strongest areas of teaching are the blood of Jesus, faith, relationships, the Hebrew language, the Holy Spirit, the end times, and heaven. During ministry, he operates freely in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. His use of humor and his ability to make a theological concept simple makes it enjoyable and easy for everyone to understand. Countless testimonies have been received from people who say their lives have been changed after experiencing Dr. Ollison's unique ministry.
Dr. Ollison is a pastor, pilot, teacher, and author. His number one goal is to meet the needs of the people through the teaching of faith in God's Word. He and his wife, Loretta, have two children and six grandchildren.