The means and the end…

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about “the means and the end.”  And the importance of knowing the difference between the two.

Like many in broadcasting, I started out in radio when I was still in high school.  By my second year in college I was also working fulltime as a Top 40 PD.  I was only 19.  I didn’t give much thought to “the end” in those days.  I was having too much fun.

After a few years in mainstream radio, I sensed that “still small voice” telling me to move over to Christian broadcasting.  And it was during that time that I really began paying attention to not only “the means” but “the end.”
For many years now I have been blessed to be in a line of work that I absolutely love.  I’ve never become tired of radio!  But I find myself still needing to ask the question – “am I involved in broadcasting simply because I enjoy this form of communication (the means)…or do I ‘do radio’ fully to the glory of the Lord?” (the end)

Perhaps the best advice I have ever received came from the late Lorne Sanny, who served many years as president of the Navigators.  He stopped by the studios of the start-up I was managing at the time.  We had only been on the air for a few days.  After looking around, he said “Dale, remember to always stay in love with the Lord and be careful to not fall in love with your ministry.”

So, what is the “end?”  Perhaps the Westminster Catechism still says it best.  “The chief end of man is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever.”  May it be so for all of us in Christian communications.