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Have you ever set down to do bills and looking at your checkbook, wondered where all the money has gone? Did you start backtracking to find out what you’d done? If so, were you surprised at what you found? How many trips did I make to the grocery store? Did we really eat out THAT many times? But it’s been sooooo long since I’ve had any new clothes! In the midst of all the spending, did you remember to write your monthly or weekly check to the church? Do you take your commitment to the church as seriously as you take your need for food and clothing? Do you take your relationship with Christ . . . your spiritual needs as seriously as you take your physical needs? Last month, I asked if we as members of Shepherd of the Valley take Jesus’ words seriously? The apostle Paul wrote to the Philippians urging them to “have the mind of Christ” (Philippians 2:5). If we do that . . . if we have the mind of Christ, we will fulfill the greatest two commandments: You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as your self.’ On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” (Matthew 22:37b-40) If we take Jesus’ words seriously, then our lives will reflect our relationship with and our commitment to follow Jesus. With that thought in mind, Sunday mornings we will continue to consider how as individuals and as a congregation we can reflect to those around us, to our community, and to the world just how seriously we take our faith in Christ. Using Robert Schnase’s book, Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations (available at Cokesbury), we have been challenged to practice Radical Hospitality, Passionate Worship, and Intentional Faith Development. Upon my return from vacation, we will continue our study by looking at how individually and congregationally we can get serious about being disciples of Christ through Risk-taking Mission and Service and Extravagant Generosity. After Jesus had washed the feet of His disciples on the night He was betrayed, He said to them, “. . . I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you” (John 13:15). Jesus is our “role model.” He took His time on earth seriously—should there be any doubt, we have but to look at the cross. What about us—about you and me—are we as serious about our spiritual needs as we are our physical needs? Seriously, now!
Seriously wondering! Pastor Jean |