For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to those who are being saved. It is the power of God. Em bounds wrote, man is looking for better methods. God is looking for better men. The world needs better men and women. The church needs better men and women, persons of uncompromising character, people who keep their hands on the plow and their eyes on Jesus. Individuals who will hold as first priority not the important things in life, but the most important things in life. The late Carl Patton wrote of men who made a difference in the church and we should pay attention to his words. He said, the leaders of the church who made history, who deeply affected the life and thought of their times, the men who made the church a real power in their community, did not do so by secondary or accessory means. They did it by their preaching. The latest trends and methods of the day may build big churches, but they cannot build great character or shape history. Only commitment to the cross of Christ and the word of God can do that. A favorite quote says, methods are many, doctrines are few. Methods may change, but doctrines never do. Sometimes less is more. Sometimes simplicity trumps the chaos and clutter that come with bells and whistles and trappings of all that is shiny and new. Sometimes the latest and greatest things in life are not improvements and are not the best things in life. The simple, unadorned, uncomplicated message of Christ crucified, preached both from the pulpit and in the lives of believers, is the power God uses to save souls, build character and change the world.

This has been your thought for the day with Steve Burkham, pastor of Community Christian Church in Stockton, California. If you have questions or comments for Pastor Steve, please send them to dailythoughtspodcastmail.com dot. Have a great day and we hope you'll join us tomorrow as Pastor Steve opens God's word to bring us another thought for the day.