Frankly Speaking… Therefore, my beloved, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NRSV)
When Robert Louis Stevenson, racked by tuberculosis, was nearing the end of his life, his wife came in one morning and said, “I suppose in spite of all your trouble, you will tell me again that it is a beautiful day.” The great novelist answered, “Yes, my dear. I refuse to let that row of medicine bottles be the circumference of my horizon.”
Friends, on the writing of this epistle, many things have happened in our lives these past few weeks. We are in the midst of presidential debates and possible record numbers on voter turn out. We have seen the stock market plummet some 18% of its value. We have been blessed to have birthdays and anniversaries grace the church…Eloise Milam turned 100 years young. She is now playing that beautiful D9 Steinway grand piano in heaven. David Hearn will soon celebrate his 100th birthday in November. The Hearn Lecture Series celebrates its Silver Anniversary. On a personal note, I thank God for allowing me to be pastor of this great church. I will have completed five years on December 31. It seems that I have just arrived. Yet, as we see the world and many great things happening…and many not so great things happening, we ask, are we better off today than yesterday/last week/last year/10 years ago and so on? I believe that God has a plan for our lives as part of his plan. We have to be willing to wait on the Lord, find his strength in these difficult and uncertain times, and know that his grace will always be sufficient in our weakness. I am reminded of Paul’s words to Timothy, I solemnly urge you: proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable; convince, rebuke, and encourage, with the utmost patience in teaching. 2 Timothy 4:1-2 (NRSV)
Like Robert Lewis Stevenson, only I can decide what will be the circumference of my horizon. In other words, what is it that defines you? Will it be your hardships, or triumphs? Successes or failures? Wealth or poverty? How religious you are or the fact that going to church is a miracle in itself? I want to be defined as a child of God, saved by grace through faith, of sacred worth, and with a unique purpose so that God’s purpose will be fulfilled. Regardless of what happens or does not happen in my life, I want to view my life through the eyes of a compassionate God, and the loving lenses of Jesus’ eyes of forgiveness and worth. There are two and one half months in this 2008 year. What will we do to make a difference in our lives, the life of the church and our community? You have an opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life…or maybe, your own. I invite you to try to be faithful in your presence on Sunday mornings. Give as you can sacrificially...even in these uncertain financial times. Pray daily for yourself, others, and the church. Volunteer an hour a week, or even an hour a month somewhere. You can make a difference. You just have to believe that you can.
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