A few years ago, someone shared with me a list of the “Top Ten Statements Your Pastor Would Like to Hear.” I modified and updated it a bit and share it with you now:

 

10. There is nothing that inspires me and strengthens my commitment to the Church like attending a Voter’s Meeting.

9. I was so enthralled by your sermon I didn’t even notice it was 20 minutes longer than usual

8. Personally, I find sharing my faith much more enjoyable than golf or fishing.

7. I wish our pastor wouldn’t spend so much time in the office!

6. Pastor, I’ve decided to give the church the $500 a month I used to spend on the Home Shopping Network.

5. I volunteer to be the permanent Sunday School Teacher for the Junior High Class. When can I start?

4. Your last Bible Class was great! When does the next one start?

3. I love it when we sing hymns and songs we’ve never sung before!

2. Pastor, we want to send you to that Bible seminar they are holding in Hawaii. You and your wife pack your bags.

1, Hey, it’s my turn to sit in the front pew!

Truth be told, I don’t want you to worry about what the Pastor wants to hear. Don’t worry about what your family and friends and coworkers want to hear. Ask yourself “What does Jesus want to hear?”

I asked that question over the years to those who were being confirmed in their faith. They would publicly say they believed in Jesus as their Savior from sin, that they would be faithful to Him, that they wanted Him to be the Lord and Master of their lives. That is exactly what Jesus wants to hear! And He wants us to strive to live in keeping with that declaration.

Lord Jesus, help us remember that You have already paid the price for our sins and earned our forgiveness. Help us to live according the promises we made in our confirmation vows. Forgive us for the times we fall short, and give us the joy of living in keeping with your will for us. Help us to match our actions to what we profess to believe.