It's Not in the Numbers

Satan stood up against Israel and incited David to count [the people of] Israel. - 1 Chronicles 21:1

There are many things that a leader may need to count, and he may even feel he has reasons to count them. For example, he may need to count the money so he can know how much he has to spend (unless, of course, he leads the U.S. Government). He may even need to count the people, in order to know the strength of his constituency (unless, of course, half of that constituency refuses to work). There are many things that a leader may need to count, and even reasons why he may feel the need to count them, unless, he happens to lead a church.

For example, why should a church leader count baptisms when he cannot count conversions? Why should he count members when he cannot count disciples? Should a church leader count "nickels" when he cannot count sacrifice? Perhaps we like to count because we, like David, gain assurance or pride from our numbers. Yet, shouldn't God be our strength, not "the count?" With the Lord, there is no cause for fear or pride, so while it may not be wrong to count nickels and noses, we should not put our trust in it. The Lord is our strength, not the numbers.

Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time and always start with the person nearest you. - Mother Teresa