“What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you came to believe, as the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So, neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and each will receive wages according to their own labor. For we are God’s coworkers, working together; you are God’s field, God’s building. 1 Corinthians 3:5-9 NRSVUE
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
This October is a special month for me. On October 9th, I will be celebrating 20 years of ordained ministry. Twenty-three years ago, I collaborated with a pastor, the Rev. Jim Burton during supervised ministry. When he agreed to support me, he said, “I will help you to get ‘Reverend’ in front of your name, if you will help me to become a better pastor.” The first goal was achieved, but I am not sure about the second goal.
During that time, though, a young woman in the youth group observed this about pastors, “When a pastor comes to a church, they are like a stone moving through a river. As they move across the embedded stones, all the stones experience change.” It is like when a jeweler takes a polishing cloth to a precious stone.
I can honestly say that I have found this statement to be true. I may believe that I come to a church at a particular time, in a particular place, for a particular people, and for a particular purpose; but in my heart, I know that the people I have encountered over the years have changed me for the better. This includes the good people here in Mt. Clemens. I have always enjoyed the challenges, and the adventure of being a pastor to every community.
In all cases, it involved working together as a team, where we encourage and challenge one another to be the best that we can be. The Scriptures are clear that each of us have spiritual gifts that each person needs to explore and use for the glory of God. This is true for our children, youth, and adults. Throughout our work, we must always remember that we can plant seeds, and others may water them, but only God makes it grow. I ham blessed to see so many good things that have taken root in the people I have served. Yet I also am humble enough to realize that none of this has been possible without the influence and power of God’s Holy Spirit.
“Now there are varieties of gifts but the same Spirit, and there are varieties of services but the same Lord,
and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone.
To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”
1 Corinthians 12:4-7 NRSVUE
If we are to be force multipliers for Christ, then each of us needs to embrace our own gifts and talents. For me, it is about discovering our passions and giving permission to let our passions guide us in all that we do and say throughout our days.
There is a quote that is so true: “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” This is true when we use our gifts and talents in our service to the Church of Jesus Christ. When we are doing what we love for the Lord, the way we teach, preach, sing, care, and serve are much more glorious. I believe that the happier we are about what we are doing in our lives, the greater our generosity to support the institutions that make it possible for us to bear good fruit. It is why I tithe to the church because I know my life has gotten better since I have accepted the call to ministry.
I hope you will consider this when you feel called to be part of a church community, and to use your gifts, talents, and treasures to support what you love.
To God be the glory forever and ever…and all God’s people said…AMEN!
I thank God for you,
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” (Isaiah 26:3)
“So in the present case, I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, because if this plan or this undertaking is of human origin, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them—in that case you may even be found fighting against God!’” (Acts 5:38-39a)
"We also celebrate in seasons of suffering because we know that when we suffer, we develop endurance, 4 which shapes our characters. When our characters are refined, we learn what it means to hope and anticipate God’s goodness. 5 And hope will never fail to satisfy our deepest need because the Holy Spirit that was given to us has flooded our hearts with God’s love.” Romans 5:3-5(The Voice)
“So, here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out.” Romans 12:1-2 (The Message)
“ For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So, they have no excuse for not knowing God.” Romans 1:20
“So, if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth.” Colossians 3:1-2
“I lift up my eyes to the hills— from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2
“Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the scriptures: ‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is amazing in our eyes’?” Matthew 21:42
"Walk by the Spirit . . . led by the Spirit . . . live by the Spirit . . . keep in step with the Spirit." Galatians 5:16, 25
“[Paul Gives Thanks to God] I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts he has given you, now that you belong to Christ Jesus. Through him, God has enriched your church in every way—with all of your eloquent words and all of your knowledge.” -1 Corinthians 1:4-5
