From the outside...

Any story, when viewed at a specific time (and out of context) can be classified as a success. Or a failure.

These are the views we have most often.

We view a church or a ministry from the outside and make a snap judgement.

We think things should be in a better position, or would be better placed if we were in charge, so we brand it a failure.
We look at how things have grown, so we hold it up as a success.

But we don't get to see all the cards.

From the outside, you don't get insight into the future plans.
From the outside, you don't get to see why a ministry heads in the direction it does.
From the outside, you don't get the entire picture.

Perhaps it is something we need to me mindful of when we gaze lovingly or scornfully down the road, across town or around the globe.