From the Pulpit: The difficulty of conveniences
It can’t be that easy, can it?
When you stop and really think about it, we have it pretty easy, don’t we? It is hard for me to imagine a time in history with a more consumer-friendly, convenience-centric, service-oriented society.
What are the unintended consequences to living in this sort of a cultural cul-de-sac of catered groceries, entertainment on demand, and virtual relationships? Some of you know what it means to actually go through the immense burdens of learning cursive and getting off the couch to change the channel. Can you believe we actually did that at one time?
Perhaps you are ready to tune me out lest I drone on about how I traveled on foot to school every day, navigating a steep incline each way. Hold on. A thought for us, what if we viewed all our conveniences as an opportunity to maximize our giving rather than our getting? What if we saw it not as a way to ingest more, but rather invest more in what matters? What if instead of speeding up to get more stuff done, we leveraged our many blessings from cell coverage to instant oatmeal to make a difference for what matters most?
It is easy for us modern humans to get distracted and consumed by the pace and complexity of our lives. Jesus knew this, and I believe that is why he instructed His disciples as he did. Please listen in on the conversation he had with a group of his followers.
At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do. All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:25-30 NIV)
I love that!
If you are excited to take advantage of all your blessings and make a difference in an intentional way, please get involved with a local church. Brandon is a blessed to have a number of great churches, and if you are looking for a place to call home, we would love to have you join us in person or online, brandon.church.
At Celebrate, we meet on Sundays at 9 and 10:30 a.m. for worship gatherings. Kingdom Kids is for parents with preschoolers Monday and Tuesday mornings from 9-11 a.m. Walkers of all ages are welcome on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday evenings at 5:30 p.m.
