Good morning: “Why should I empty the dishwasher? I did it last time. Why should I volunteer for the committee or sign up to mow the lawn again when there are plenty of people who haven’t done anything? I’m not going to stay late at work. It’s someone else’s turn this time.” Even the most generous, kind-hearted person can relate. There are times when we’re just tired of helping, especially when it seems as though others aren’t doing their part. Yet Jesus tells us to love all people, even enemies. Paul writes, “Do not grow weary in doing good” (2 Thess. 3:13). But where do you find the motivation? If we look around, we’re going to see people like us, people who have a selfish nature, people who are quick to spot faults in others, but who are myopic when it comes to their own shortcomings. In other words, we may decide that, compared to others, we’ve done more than our share and it’s their turn to step up. But God doesn’t tell us to compare ourselves with other people. We read in Eph. 5:1: “Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children, and walk in love, as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God.” Love like Jesus, the Bible tells us. Jesus never said, “It’s someone else’s turn. He never turned anyone away. He was always there to speak words of comfort to the despairing, to heal the incurable, and to give new life and hope to those dead in sin. He has done the same for you and me. It’s not all about us. We can’t claim a right to a certain status or position. Yet God loves us and has made us His children by faith in Jesus. All we are and have are due to His grace alone. Jesus then is not only our example, He is our motivation to serve and help. “For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again” (2 Cor. 5:14-15). Through Jesus’ love working in us, may the Spirit renew our love today. Instead of grumbling, “It’s someone else’s turn,” may we cheerfully offer, “How can I help?” Yours in Christ, Pastor Service time tomorrow is 9 a.m. Voters, please remember the annual meeting which begins after the service. Along with other matters, elections for church boards will be held. There are a number of voters who are unable to attend, so it is all the more important that as many as are able set aside this time to thank the Lord for His continued blessings and to seek His guidance in planning our ministry going forward. Non-voters are always welcome to sit in and observe the meeting. VBS begins Monday morning. There is still time to invite others to join us. All children ages 3 through 8th Grade are welcome. Check the snack list tomorrow for items still needed. From Principal Tiefel: Volunteers are vital to our school at Messiah and provide numerous blessings to both students and teachers. Whether or not you have children in our school, please consider if you can volunteer this year. Spending time with the students can be a very rewarding experience. Click here to view the signup and feel free to share it with others. Parents, grandparents, and other church members are all encouraged to participate!
