I volunteer for me

I have recently been working on making my life better, and the way that I have chosen to do so is by volunteering.

One day after worship I happened on a conversation about the work facing the refugee committee.  I was entranced and immediately volunteered to help out.  What a blessing that has been.  I have learned so much, I have been able to give in a way that makes a difference and I have been able to share the good news of what we are doing.

Then I got invited to a meeting of another committee, and the work under discussion sounded interesting and I am pretty certain that I will stay involved with them in some way.

And as interesting and fulfilling as I find the work of these committees, what is much more interesting is the number of people who comment that I am so good to be helping out.  While the praise and acknowledgement are nice, what I always say to people, is this….. I am doing this for me.

And in a way it is true.  I believe passionately that those of us who are called in God’s Kingdom are also called to contribute to it in a real, positive and lasting way.  We are all called to make a difference that brings hope, healing and joy into the world.

And so, one day I woke up and decided that I could no longer spend all my time focusing on my own problems and my frustration that God does not seem to be answering my prayers.  I needed something positive to happen in my life that took the focus off of all the jobs that I apply for and don’t get.  And once I opened myself up to my own need to be faithfully working in God’s kingdom, the opportunities to make a difference have come along.

So yes, I do what I do out of love for God and because I am responsible for living faithfully.  But I also recognize that I benefit from what I give.  I feel better about myself.  I have something worthwhile to put my energy into.  I have more energy to put into the relationships that mean a lot to me.  I feel like I have a purpose when I wake up in the morning.

Now I realize that the changes in me have come about because I have responded to what God is asking of me, and in a way I see it as a chicken and an egg situation.  What I do for God benefits me.  What I do to bring purpose into my life impacts God’s kingdom in a positive way.  Which came first?  I don’t know and I don’t think it matters.  I am happy doing what I do and I am thrilled that it makes a difference to others.

What I hope is that more people discover the truth, the joy and the blessing of giving themselves to God and filling their own life with amazing gifts.

Advertisement

Its not fair…

from Google Images

Tomorrow I am preaching for the first time since Christmas Day.  It has been a long time, and I am so happy to be given this moment of grace again.  Even better I am going to a great little country church, that I used to know many years ago.  To find them you go out to the middle of nowhere and there in the middle of a field is a little country church.  Years ago I had the joy of going to them and dedicating new pews as they celebrated some significant growth.  The intervening years have brought some decline, but from all accounts they are still a terrific congregation.  I am looking forward to getting to know them all again.

So what will I be preaching about?  Tomorrow I will be looking at the parable of the workers in the vineyard, where those who came late in the day got paid exactly the same wage as those who started to work in the early hours of the morning.  When we look at the parable we wonder if the landowner ever heard of the concepts of a decent HOURLY wage, or even that seniority counts for something.  Surely those who work a long day deserve more.  Right?

What we forget is that in God’s kingdom Grace is is the only measuring stick.  You sinned, grace will cover that.  You have a situation that needs intervention, grace will cover that.  You have always been annoyingly perfect in every way, not to worry grace will cover that as well.  Indeed for all of us, at every moment, grace is what makes a life of ministry, mission, passion, joy, hope, faith and anything else God asks of us possible.

I am looking forward to sharing this message, and encouraging the congregation in the living of its faith.  I am looking forward to hearing the message of grace and opening my life to the living of faith and grace.  It has been a long road to this place and I am ready to move forward with God.

Let us pray:  GRACE IS ALL

God, in gratitude we turn to you, praising you for all your goodness to us
Repenting of arrogance and a sense of deservedness, we humble ourselves to blessing
Align our vision so that we see how grace and mercy are to be shared with all
Challenge us to be those who share grace and mercy
Enliven us with the joy of giving as you give
Instil in us a deep desire to fulfill your will
Shower us with the gifts of your Spirit
Ask us to give to you by sharing your gifts with others
Lead us onto the paths of mercy
Lead us onto the paths of blessing

For the sake of your church and in the cause of justice.  Amen