When you lived in the dark, you couldn't see, but, now that the light is on, you can. So, do.
Consider what people do when they think no one can see them. Well, you can see now, and you can be seen.
Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord.
This advice can be useful to us old Christians, as well. We should be aware of what the Lord wants us to do and not to do. We should, but do we live as if we did?
Tangent: Light does help us see more and better. In addition, it enables growth. I'm thinking about the flowerpots I have on the windowsill. I see more blooms there than if I had put them somewhere else.
Another tangent: After I had written this post (I usually am about 4 or 5 days ahead), I read this entry entitled Life in the Light in Bishop Ward's blog:
Live as children of light. . . – Ephesians 5:8Hope Morgan Ward
In this fourth week of Lent, let us enter into a season of prayer and holy conversation in regard to the resources we share for the ministry of Christ in the Mississippi Conference.
The trustees of the annual conference will ask the 2011 Annual Conference if you desire to enter into a year of discernment regarding the current use of The United Methodist Building in light of an offer from Galloway United Methodist Church to purchase it for urban ministry in downtown Jackson. A decision would be made no earlier than the 2012 Annual Conference.
The trustees share this possibility with you so that we might think prayerfully together, seeking what seems “good to the Holy Spirit and to us” (Acts 15:28).
Entering into a year of discernment would provide opportunity for us to 1) assess our need in light of current realities of usage, 2) assess the condition and deferred maintenance of the United Methodist Building, 3) consider alternative alternatives for the future, and 4) develop any plan for the future with concern for minimal financial impact on the conference and local churches.
There is strong commitment to the historical and missional presence in downtown Jackson. John Wesley is our example as we remember his establishment of The Foundry for urban ministry in the city of London. The possibility of using our current facility for urban mission could align our history with our vision, continuing strong Methodist presence and witness in the center of Jackson.
The Irish poet Seamus Heaney wrote of times “when hope and history rhyme.” We will decide together in Annual Conference session if this opportunity resonates in our spirits as wise and worthy of consideration.
With gratitude for your partnership in the ministry of Jesus Christ.
No comments:
Post a Comment