Monday, Monday

Back in the day, there was a song that the Mamas and the Papas sang called "Monday, Monday."
Some of the lyrics to that song are:

Monday, Monday, can't trust that day
Monday, Monday, sometimes it just turns out that way
Oh Monday mornin' you gave me no warnin' of what was to be

The chorus goes:

 Every other day, every other day
 Every other day of the week is fine, yeah
 But whenever Monday comes, but whenever Monday comes
 A-you can find me cryin' all of the time

This song ought to be the anthem for pastors. Ask almost any pastor and (if he is honest)
he will tell you that Monday's are the pits.
If most pastors acted on their emotions, they would resign there churches a lot on Monday
mornings.
Many times we are already feeling a bit down and discouraged because we have poured
ourselves into study and preparation the week before for our messages, and maybe they were
poorly received, or we struggled to deliver them, or even worse, very few even bothered
to show up to hear them... leaving us to feel like, "what's the use?"

Many times, Monday morning seems to be the time when disgruntled member chooses to
unload themselves of their complaints.
Personally, I cringe every time the phone rings on Monday.
Monday is the day we begin to sweat and worry over how low the giving was the day before.
If people only knew the stress we pastors carry trying to juggle the finances of the church, and
at the same time, try to figure out how any ministry will be done this week or month because
folks stayed home again, and the bank account has no where near enough in it to meet the
expenses of the church. But most never even think about it.
As long as the doors are open next time they might want to come.

Often times, some unhappy member has ripped us to shreds at some point on Sunday, letting
us know just how worthless we are (as well as our family) and Monday morning it is all we can
do to pick our head up off the pillow.

Yeah, Mondays stink.

I was talking with a friend this morning who pastors in another state this morning. He told me
how last Sunday night they had a chili contest/fellowship night, and the place was packed.
Last night, they had a night of prayer meeting as they are preparing for a revival coming up in
a few weeks. Only a handful showed up.
Can you say discouraging boys and girls?

My friend said to me, "It makes me wonder if people are really 'getting it'."
I have to ask the same question myself. Are the people of my congregation "getting it?"
Oh, I think a few are; but I honestly have to say that I don't think most are.
It's not just my church, it's a problem in the vast majority of churches in America today.
There is not real concern for the lost.
There is not even real concern for their own families.
What is wanted today is a place where people can come and feel good about themselves,
appease their guilty conscience once or twice a month and not give a thought to or about
in the time in between visits.

My friend sent me a message saying he is tempted to preach the following outline in his church,
but fears it would be his last Sunday as pastor of his church.
It packs a powerful punch... and I am going to post it, even if it does ruffle a few feathers.

I. Would we rather feast than fast?
II. Would we rather have fellowship than ministry?
III. Would we rather be entertained rather than evangelism?
IV. Would we rather have leisure than love for God?
V. Would we rather be served than serve?

Dude... you said it well!

OK... it's Monday.
And today is holding true to form for the Monday's I've discussed above.
Things will be better tomorrow.
No, the situation will not have changed, but I will have.