09-22-24

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
September 22, 2024
For a few weeks now, I have been talking about Spiritual Gifts, and, more specifically, how we bring more of who we are to the work of Jesus in the world. The first two weeks, we talked about the head (wisdom, knowledge, leadership, organization, etc.) and the heart (compassion, kindness, empathy, hospitality, etc.). Today, we are looking at our hands, feet, and voices. Now let’s be clear: I understand that for my hands to work, my head/brain needs to be involved. And often the work of people’s hands, feet, and voices is rooted in a heart of compassion and concern for others. No gifts exists within a silo, but there are certain skills that require specific coordination. As I mentioned in my Etching yesterday, I was at the Regional Men’s Retreat, and during a breakout session, a couple of the guys gave testimony to some of the hands-on missions the men of our Region have done, including the construction of buildings for our denominational boarder ministry, Southwest Good Samaritan Ministries in Los Fresnos. The men have raised money and then sent construction crews over the years to raise buildings that serve an incredible ministry of compassion and care. Among those men in the breakout session, there was a genuine sense of purpose in that work. Yes, they needed to bring some knowledge and compassion, but it was a lot of work done with their hands. Psalm 90:17 says,

Let the kindness of the Lord our God be over us.
    Make the work of our hands last.
    Make the work of our hands last!

We pray this day, O God, for those gifts given by you to find purpose in this world. Amen.