Resource Allocation

Let me set up the scenario - I'm taking a team of 10-12 people to Ghana, West Africa this fall. We are going to provide leadership training, construction crews to build church buildings and do outreach through medical clinics. We are working hard to collect the needed supplies so that we can serve 100's of people in the remote region of Mafi Kumase. I am on the internet researching organization who provide medicines for mission trips when I get a knock on my door...

A guy comes in to ask if the church would be willing/able to help send a team of Little Leaguers to Flordia to compete in a national championship. Let me say this up front -

THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH LITTLE LEAGUE!!!

What an accomplishment for our little county to win a State Championship and represent North Carolina on the national level. However when I compare that to providing potentially life-saving meds and more importantly the hope of salvation through faith in Jesus to impoverished people in all but forgotten villages the answer is clear. I must say no to that which is good in order to say yes to that which is God.

"For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is,because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames." - 1 Corinthians 3:11-15

Resources are finite and time is limited. It reminds me of what the Apostle Paul said -


"Be very careful, then, how you live —not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶ making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." - Ephesians 5:12-16


Every dollar, every minute, every decision we make matters. That shouldn't overwhelm us with fear but rather fill us with faith that our lives can make a difference. Both in this life and the next!