What Should Be Different?
It is the season for making resolutions and while we all have our own personal goals, I’d like to suggest that we begin this year focusing on some of John Wesley’s words. It might be that they will not only help shape who we are but will also impact how we live into this new year of 2017.
Let’s start with one we all know:
“Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can.”
What do you think of when you read those words? For me it is an invitation to try to always be mindful of the opportunities before me. I may not always be “on” enough to respond or even acknowledge those opportunities but for the times that I do…these words will go a long way towards helping me step up to whatever is before me.
Last month I wrote about my struggle with our recent presidential election. Here is a good one for me, and maybe for all of us, to consider:
“We should be rigorous in judging ourselves and gracious in judging others.”
And with that in mind, consider this one:
“Though we cannot think alike, may we not love alike? May we not be of one heart, though we are not of one opinion? Without all doubt, we may. Herein all the children of God may unite, notwithstanding these smaller differences.”
Finally, we have some words that remind us that we are called to be together…not just within this congregation but also as part of our greater community:
“The Gospel of Christ knows no religion but social; no holiness, but social holiness.”
As I close this first Connection article of 2017 may I simply say to all of you how very blessed I am to serve here alongside Pastor Kelly and with ALL of you. May this coming year be grace-filled and full of just enough surprises to keep us all on our toes! Amen and Happy New Year!
Pastor Andy