02-15-25

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
February 15, 2025
Tomorrow is the Chili Cook-Off, but during worship, I will focus on faithfulness, another part of the Fruit of the Spirit. Recently, I came across a quote from the writer and social critic, Cyril Connolly, who wrote, “Better to write for yourself and have no public, than to write for the public and have no self.” I’m sure you’ve heard something or read something that stuck with you like gum on the bottom of your shoe. It kept on grabbing hold of you ever so subtly. Those words did just that! Faithfulness, whatever it is that might inspire and compel someone, usually requires a person to relinquish the need for approval from the public and to fully engage oneself in that compelling and inspiring idea. How often do we profess our faithfulness to an idea, yet our actions and interactions with others fail to reflect that faithfulness? I am reminded of a story in the Book of Acts, where Paul and Barnabas are teaching in Antioch, yet as they were leaving, many who heard them requested for them to return on the following Sabbath and teach more. Returning a week later to listen more was not enough. Instead, these two traveling teachers urged those who followed to remain faithful to the message of God’s grace (Acts 13:43). What does it look like to remain faithful to the message of God’s grace? It’s more than just returning week after week to hear the message. I think it’s about what we do between those Sabbath days of learning. 

Continue to encourage me, Most Generous and Kind Spirit, as I venture more deeply into the ways of faithfulness. I strive to remain true to myself, the person you created me to be. Amen.