Numbers

     We always want to measure success with numbers.  And that's true in all aspects of human endeavors.  Even in the church we look to numbers to validate our ministry.  If we haven't "super-sized" it, we think we've failed.  But that's not God's criteria for success.  I mean. look at the prophets.  If the number of life's changed is the standard, they were all failures.  Isaiah, in fact, was told that the more he taught God's truth, the more people would turn against God.  The only prophet who got big numbers--Jonah--was upset because he did.
     I think that we need to beware of such human standards for judging spiritual success.  Huge numbers are no numbers at all do not establish a ministry's power--either way.  God's standard is simple.  Are you teaching the truth in love?  If that's what's being done. the numbers are irrelevant.  The results of such teaching are in the control of God's Spirit.  And throughout history such teaching has produced changed hearts and hardened hearts--both.  We must be faithful to the assignment:  preach the Word in season and out.  Reprove, rebuke, encourage, exhort, defend.  Teach the whole counsel of God.  And love your neighbor as yourself--in deeds not words alone.  If those things are being done, your ministry is a success no matter what the numbers say.