| Good morning everyone, Our theme for this month: “How to inhabit time” Our Bible verse for today: “A manifestation of the Spirit is given to each person for the common good.” 1 Corinthians 12:7 (CSB) Our thought for today: “Serving others makes you a better and happier person” In Exodus 31:1-6 we read that God gave the man Bezalel son of Uri the skills of a craftsman so he could create artistic designs and build things of wood and gold and precious stones, all for the glory of God. God goes on in that passage to say that He has given similar skills to every artisan and craftsman among His people, and for the same reason. As a pastor I realize how very much the church needs people like that who can make things and fix things. In 1 Corinthians 12:7 (above) Paul reminds us that every person has been gifted and empowered by God with skills, talents, and abilities to in some way contribute to the overall work of the church, and that it is for the common good. In other words, the church, the community, and the world are all better places when each person is doing their part to make things better. The fact is that we all can help in some way – and we need to be helping. Not only is the world a better place when we use our skills and abilities for the sake of others, not only is the church better off and our fellow Christians too, but it makes us a better and happier person as well. Just the other day I came across the results of yet another study that found that those who engage in volunteer work, and those who have found ways to use their skills and abilities to help others, are happier, healthier, better adjusted, and they report a higher quality of life overall, than those who don’t routinely serve others. Psychologists have known this for decades. A good psychologist will tell you that one of the most effective therapies for a depressed person is to get that person to take their eyes off of themselves and to focus instead on helping others. When we stop thinking about ourselves so much and focus instead on helping someone else who is in even worse shape than we are, we find that soon we start feeling better. Yesterday I encouraged us all to be involved in a higher purpose, something that inspires and motivates us. For the Christian there is no higher purpose than to be actively on-mission with Jesus, helping to build His kingdom on this earth. God has empowered you to do that. He has gifted you with skills, talents, and abilities that you can use to help with the work of the church in your community. We all need a purpose worthy enough to inspire us. For the Christian, serving others in the name of Jesus is that purpose. There is no better use of your time, and doing so will make you a better and happier person. God bless, Pastor Jim |
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