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By the Numbers

by Richard A. “Jake” Jacobson,

professor of mathematics

Most of us find numbers intriguing. Sports broadcasters continually recite statistics on almost everything related to the game. USA Today always includes numbers about something in one corner of its front page. Unfortunately, this fascination with numbers has also brought some unhealthy aspects to our modern world. We tend to assess the importance of many things by using numbers.

For example, in college, one’s grade point average often receives much more importance than it should. Too many students' self-worth is wrapped up in the numerical value of their grade point. We hope that, eventually, students realize that the scores one receives in college are an insignificant part of a much richer experience.

The important things that one remembers are those late night talks with peers, the serendipitous times of being with special friends, the times spent laughing—and sometimes crying—together. No numbers can be assigned to such significant moments. The success of a college education does not depend on the quantity of material learned, but on how well one learned to learn.

This unhealthy fascination for numbers sometimes carries over into our Christian walk. Unfortunately, sometimes, the success of a program is measured by the numbers in attendance at church or Sunday school, or by the number of people who went to the altar. Many of us dream of being able to influence many people in positive ways for the Kingdom. We would like to give a great deal of money to relief agencies. Our Lord does not go by numbers. Our Lord asks us only to be obedient.

Recall how Phillip was preaching in a big revival in Samaria when he was called to the desert to speak to one Ethiopian. Recall the widow who gave but one coin as her offering, and was highly commended by our Lord.

     To listen passionately and patiently to someone who is hurting deeply has no

numerical value, but with respect to the Kingdom, it has value beyond measure. Do

not let your enthusiasm for the priceless privilege of serving in the Kingdom be

lessened by the numbers.