FAITH CONNECTION – FARMERSVILLE UMC
Ministry Updates for Tuesday, August 25th, 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 3:10
For even when we were with you, we gave you this command: Anyone unwilling to work should not eat. For we hear that some of you are living in idleness, mere busybodies, not doing any work.
Reflection – Entitlement
On Sunday, I spoke about the ‘feeling’ of entitlement. That is when we feel we deserve something, and that ‘something’ is not spelled out in law.
As we labor to remove barriers to our relationships, entitlement is an important one to face. Feeling entitled to run up credit card debt, to receive an inheritance which is not spelled out, or to live as a victim are some of the entitlements which burden us. They break relationships, often slowly, which makes them particularly dangerous.
In Thessalonica, able bodied people were ‘not willing to work’. They were not unable to work, due to age, handicap, or lack of jobs. They were simply unwilling to, and yet still expected three square meals a day.
I feel fortunate to have had jobs which helped me grow as an individual and connect with people. And though there were certainly long stretches which felt unfulfilling, I look back on every year of my life feeling certain God had blessed me greatly through my work. I feel fortunate to have a calling to serve God which goes beyond my vocation and runs over into my life with family, in the community, in the nation and the world.
This makes me sad for those who think work is an unnecessary burden.
Someday I will retire from vocational ministry. And when that day comes, I will be entitled to eat without working. But I know having a purpose in this life is always a great gift. Working my purpose wards off sloth, disgruntledness, decay and judgmentalism, to name a few things. It simply makes me a better and happier person.
Prayer:
God of love, and God of our callings and vocations, we give you thanks that you labor to make us whole. God, sometimes life feels unfair and I feel entitled to more than I am receiving. Help me let go of that feeling. Help me be faithful to you in everything I do, knowing it is your will and your way to give your children far more than they deserve. Help me trust you, and be patient in waiting on the pouring out of your grace. Amen.