FAITH CONNECTION – FARMERSVILLE UMC
Ministry Updates for Monday, August 24th, 2020
Do You or Someone You Know Need Financial Help?
Reduced household income because of COVID-19 has made it difficult for some to stay up-to-date on their utility bills, mortgage or rent. Through the CARES Act you may receive assistance through three programs: one to help homeowners with mortgage costs, one to help renters cover rental costs, and one to help people behind on paying utilities. Follow this link to for more information:
https://mcobiz.com/cares-grants/cares-grant-application-housing/
Scripture – 2 Thessalonians 3:8-9
For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us; we were not idle when we were with you, and we did not eat anyone’s bread without paying for it; but with toil and labor we worked night and day, so that we might not burden any of you.
Reflection – Setting an Example
It may seem a little egotistical for someone to say, ‘you ought to imitate us’. But the reality is, we learn through imitation. To learn a language we imitate speakers of that language. To learn a profession, we imitate methods of that profession. After we learn the basics of a discipline we then move to a higher level of practice and existence.
Paul and his team of evangelists did not want to get the Thessalonians so focused on their needs that they had no time to absorb the Gospel. They did not want to burden them with extra responsibilities, so they paid their own way, as much as they could.
I used to think it was my job as a father to impart wisdom to my children. I would tell them what to do and they would just want to do it because I said so. (funny, right?) But if I have gained any wisdom, it is that a good example is the first step. If you are not going to follow your own plans, ethics and wisdom, why would your children?
Paul, as a kind of parent in the faith, set an example. So we too need to set an example. We must pray where others do not, give where others are in need, serve where others are underserved, and witness where others lack faith. God has not only blessed us to care for ourselves, he calls us to go the extra mile and care for others as well.
As much as this is clearly more work, it is a burden we share with God, who does the heavy lifting, and who when we work with him, gives us a front row seat to his miracles.
People are watching you; both people of faith and people outside the faith. Are you carrying the load God calls you to carry? Are you doing it with joy? Do you believe the world will be a better place through your actions? Do you forgive and ask for forgiveness? I am sure none of us are doing it perfectly. But hopefully we do it well enough to be an example to those who are seekers or who are new to the faith.
Prayer:
God in heaven, through Jesus Christ you gave us a picture of who you are. Through him, you gave us an example. So by his example, we not only care for ourselves, we also care beyond ourselves. Help us do this today, so that we may show your love to those in need, and to be an example for those who desire to grow in faith. Amen.