Ahhhh. This looks more preachable to me. Already there is such antagonism among the desperate preachers over the gospel lesson. Some of the radical-child-of-the-60's that still resides in me, could so easily get stuck in that judgment attitude that terrorism is the natural by-product of being so much in control of so much of the world's resources, and to make it an allegory about the US and Afghanistan. But I know it's more complex than that. Some of my immediate thoughts when I first heard about the WTC was that the world will never again be the same. But I don't know how it will be different.
I heard a speech by a woman on public television (don't know who she was) who concluded that as a result of this terrorism and the thoughtful care with which our leadership is deciding how to respond, that humanity will reach higher levels of civilization. That's certainly at least part of my hope - fully placing that hope in the gospel of the resurrection of Christ. I've tried to envision what the world will be like when my grandsons are grown (ages 2.5 & 9 mo), and the only piece that seems clear to me is that somehow there has to be a greater sensitivity to the needs of the whole world, that our commitment to sharing grows from a root of love for all. But Timothy's call to stewardship in this passage, says even more. He emphasizes setting our hopes on God. I wonder if my grandsons and their generation will be able to have that "great gain of godliness with contentment." I welcome feedback, discussion, and other forms of reality check, here. Janice in Kansas
I also came here seeking refuge from the gospel battleground. I love this: "As for those who in the present age are rich, command them not to be haughty, or to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but rather on God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, thus storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that really is life." Clearly 9.11 showed us that riches can keep no promises about eternity. As our parishoners learn more about Afganistan, it will be hard to wiggle out of the realization that we are very rich indeed. What I love about this text is that it tells us what we must do, as rich people. It does not allow us to despair that we are damned because we have wealth. Rather it invites us to see our wealth as great power for good, and instructs us to use our wealth in Godly ways so that we can take hold of the life that really is life (and not a tread mill we get on each day on the way to more wealth). There is real hope here for the rich - you and me! SS in PA
We are rich in many material things, but I believe we are spiritually poor. Why else would there be such a searching for spirituality? I will be roaming here and in Gospel land. I am thinking there is a tie in. Jeremiah is interesting too. Sorry to ramble. Nancy-Wi
As you indicated, PA, this passage is RICH itself, not just about "the rich." The area I have focused on, just off the bat, is this combination Paul points to: "godliness WITH contentment." It is good to have them linked. Call it a Formula for Faithfulness. My initial thought: some have one without the other--that is, they attempt to be "godly" people, and often are: doing good, being good--but they are not contented people, instead they are miserly and miserable, inside at least, if not outside. I wonder if it can be the same the other way around--that is, can some be "contented," feeling at peace and at ease, yet not be "godly," living for Christ and his ways? It seems to be critical that the "godliness" and "contentment" be linked--only then does "great gain" take place. And what does that "great gain" look like? (It probably has to do with the picture Paul paints in the following verses and "the life that really is life."
I welcome reflection on this approach. I think this passage has a lot to say to our hearers on Sunday, while many of us have had to come to grips, in the wake of the terrorist tragedies, with how we are living our lives, just what we are living FOR. Also, there seem to be links with the Gospel reading (if we stay away from the easy associations, as Janice points out, of rich=bad, poor=good). And the Jeremiah passage fits too, I think: Jeremiah, with God's leading, buys a field as a statement of faith in the future. All the passages point to "the future" in some way. I wonder if the key lies in thinking of the PROPER USE and END (goal) of earthly possessions . . . TK in OK
I think some are missing the opportunity to relate this passage to the plunge of the stock market. Many people are very worried about their finances. John near Pitts
Thanks John That's what I am preaching on. 14% drop in the stock market last week. I have people talking to me about their nesteggs and their college funds. 75% drop in one college fund over the last 15 months. What are we putting our stock in? What are we stock holders in? Put stock in the confession of faith. Stock hold on the eternal life. wealth is so uncertian, but God provides us with everything for our enjoyment (need). That is a firm foundation. That is a stock I want to hold. Oh, yes I hold the other, but that is not where my faith and future are! <>< Kingdom DJ
I am titling my sermon: "Living as Rich People." The events of the last 2 weeks have been instructive. We have seen a lot lately about what Afghanistan is like and we are aware of how fortunate we are to be living in this rich country. But we still feel insecurity about our future because of the stock market and the layoffs in many industries. It makes for confusion and guilt and I think the Timothy passage is another reminder of how we need to put Jesus Christ in the center and nothing else in order to be contented. The message is timely. Margot
It's a bit late to be posting, but as I've worked with this passage, I believe I see something here that I don't see noted in this or previous discussion, and I'd still welcome comment, especially if I'm off-base here. I notice that the reading starts in the middle of a paragraph, so I went back and read the whole book to get a better sense of the context, and I was at first disturbed because it looks like the author is telling Timothy how to minister to his congregation who evidently are both slaves and masters, and that he may be faced with a situation where slaves are acting godly in order to secure some gain, or to manipulate the masters. So the reading begins "there is great gain in godliness with contentment," which could sound as if slaves are being told to be content as slaves. But I've wrestled with this a bit, and am thinking that, well, OK, so this is the constitution of Tim's congregation; his issue is NOT the abolition of slavery, but how to minister to his people given his circumstances, and that the message (I hope) is not about being content to be slaves, but that the gain (life which is life indeed) - in ALL circumstances (rich or poor, slave or free), is in the contentment of BEING (as opposed to ACTING) godly, that Tim and his people are being taught to genuinely embrace the faith. In discussion with a friend, I asked her thoughts and feelings on appearing godly and being godly. I liked her response to what it means to be godly. She said she thought being godly was in those moments when she is most truly and fully the person she believes God created her to be, when she's not worried about what other people think, or what the consequences are, but when she just IS truly herself as God intended. I think the passage gives more/different where it exhorts Tim in how to be: "aim at righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness," and in admonishing the rich NOT to be "haughty..." Perhaps these insights don't change the tone or gist of the message as we talk to our people about godliness with contentment or the life which is life indeed. But they have shifted my thinking. Any responses? --Janice in Ks
I agree there is something here about the contentment of being. It also suggests that "being" is more important than "having" which is what the world we live in suggests. Paul tells Timothy how God wants it. I think Paul is suggesting that Timothy not succumb to the rich person's problem. It's the same to me that Jesus is saying. The difference is that one speaks in parables and the other speaks the truth to a person. The gospel is a difficult message when one must preach it in the richest nation the world has ever known. I admit I have problems with riches as much as the rich man in the parable and those that Paul is talking about. When all is said and done, life is more than wealth and all is God's in the end. Being is better than having, except when we come to know that we have eternal life through him.
I agree there is something here about the contentment of being. It also suggests that "being" is more important than "having" which is what the world we live in suggests. Paul tells Timothy how God wants it. I think Paul is suggesting that Timothy not succumb to the rich person's problem. It's the same to me that Jesus is saying. The difference is that one speaks in parables and the other speaks the truth to a person. The gospel is a difficult message when one must preach it in the richest nation the world has ever known. I admit I have problems with riches as much as the rich man in the parable and those that Paul is talking about. When all is said and done, life is more than wealth and all is God's in the end. Being is better than having, except when we come to know that we have eternal life through him. Bob in Brooklyn
I plan to use verse 9 to address our changing sexual attitude in a time of affluence. Yes, I know I am reading the text in the light of current political issues, but I have not preached on the Clinton crisis and feel the time has come, but I want to set the sermon in a broader context of changing sexual values. That is an issue that hits home in every congregation.
To poster of 19 September:
I'm sorry, maybe I'm dense, but I don't see any reference to changing sexual attitudes in verse 9 or any other verse of this reading. Could it not be that you are stretching the text out of all recognition in order to fit it to current events? Please know that I ask this respectfully as a fellow desperate preacher.
--Rod in Pixley
I don't believe it to be too much of a stretch. I believe that falling into temptation in an attempt to be rich (or powerful, or famous, or however we define 'rich' culturally today)has dire consequences. And that indeed is a practical application considering today's head-lines.
Neither, however Rod, do I believe you're dense. I think those in the pulpit should take every opportunity to preach on sanctification, on the process whereby God makes us more Christ-like.
This Timothy passage is an exhortation to holiness (no, that's not legalistic). It's an exhortation most especially applicable when our leaders play word games with truth to save their hides. Especially those leaders who frequently quote Scripture, invoke God's name, and swear to Him to uphold truth.
Yes, the passage speaks of the pursuit of money. However, the pursuit of power and fame (and the abuse of same) at the expense of others is just as dastardly. So I respectfully disagree with you Rod and believe this would certainly preach as the unknown poster desires it to.
Rick in Va
What strikes me in first reading the passage is the difference between life as existing (ie: the worldly side of life) and eternal life (ie: life which comes through faith).The place I seem to be starting with all of this is that the gospel calls us to more than exist, because to do so is to give into the worldy life of fame, fortune and power. An immediate tie for me into the gospel for today is that living the "life that really is life" means sharing what we have been blessed with through serving others less fortunate than ourselves. But, not in a way that says I'm better than you since I have more and am more sucessful. Rather, in a way that treats them with respect and dignity they deserve as children of God. Life is a gift, and eternal life is even more of a gift. If we value its true worth, we need to bewilling to share it and not store it up for ourselves.
Mark, Toronto, Canada
As a yellow dog democrat, and a preacher who inevitably gives grace and forgivenness more time than righteousness, I haven't touched the political thing yet either. I guess I see a tie-in with addiction. Are we addicted to wealth, to the accumulation of wealth? Is Bill addicted to misuse of power through sexual exploits? Has Ken Starr an addiction to dogged pursuit of what's true at the risk of what's reasonable, and certainly trashing what's palatable? Are we all addicted to sucking up the gory details of a powerful person's personal grief and ruin? And then can we be held accountable for our addictions in the same way as we must account for choices where we are free of compulsion? I'm just tossing all this out there for discussion - I don't think Clinton's behavior is excusable in any way, and his supporters (me) are hurt as well as angry. But can't we react thoughtfully instead of compulsively? I guess I see the passage not punishing us for pursuit of riches as much as it calls for our rescue from this kind of money-lust from which we cannot seem to free ourselves. (Anyone who needs stones can borrow mine - I'm a long way from qualifying as one who is allowed to throw 'em.) kbc in sc (I'm having trouble submiting this - should I get the message - sorry in advance if there are multiples!!)
As a yellow dog democrat, and a preacher who inevitably gives grace and forgivenness more time than righteousness, I haven't touched the political thing yet either. I guess I see a tie-in with addiction. Are we addicted to wealth, to the accumulation of wealth? Is Bill addicted to misuse of power through sexual exploits? Has Ken Starr an addiction to dogged pursuit of what's true at the risk of what's reasonable, and certainly trashing what's palatable? Are we all addicted to sucking up the gory details of a powerful person's personal grief and ruin? And then can we be held accountable for our addictions in the same way as we must account for choices where we are free of compulsion? I'm just tossing all this out there for discussion - I don't think Clinton's behavior is excusable in any way, and his supporters (me) are hurt as well as angry. But can't we react thoughtfully instead of compulsively? I guess I see the passage not punishing us for pursuit of riches as much as it calls for our rescue from this kind of money-lust from which we cannot seem to free ourselves. (Anyone who needs stones can borrow mine - I'm a long way from qualifying as one who is allowed to throw 'em.) kbc in sc (I'm having trouble submiting this - should I get the message - sorry in advance if there are multiples!!)
In response to our yellow-dog democrat who did not sign his/her name, I agree with your general comments. I also fear that many of us might be tempted to preach "hell and damnation" and sound judgmental--something we hopefully discourage our congregants from being. The theme of forgiveness seems more appropriate to me. This is not meant to imply that I condone our President's behavior, we can all agree (I think) that it was wrong (whether an addiction or not), but who are we to throw the stones?
GGC in Okla
I have to agree with our "yellow-dog democrat" on this one. Not only can few of us throw the first stone, but we all need to be careful in coming off to our congregants (and God) as overly judgmental. Does that mean that I condone Clinton's behavior? Absolutely not! However, I do see him as human and deserving of forgiveness. My prayers are with him, his family, our country, etc. There is no argument about his lack of good judgment or whether or not what he did was wrong, but if this were someone in our church, would we hold them up as an sermon example before our congregation? I should hope not.
gail in Oklahoma
To the Yellow Dog Democrat:
As a Republican who has distrusted Clinton since his "New Covenant" speech (accepting the nomination in '92) "...as the scripture says, 'Eye has not seen nor ear heard WHAT WE CAN BUILD.'" I want to say that I feel your pain.
Last week I preached on the need to pray for the President, lamenting the fact that if the church had prayed for him (whether we liked him or not) perhaps he would have been granted the strength to overcome in his SPIRITUAL battle (I thought it was evident from the report that the battle was spiritual as he would say, "It's over." one day and "Come on over." the next.)
My prayer for him is that he would be broken both in spirit and in his heart. Then restoration can begin. Then, he might be fit to lead, not from his strength, but from God's Strength.
KenTucky
Hello kbc aka yellow dog, I also am not comfortable preaching an anti Clinton sermon. Last week, I called all of our political leaaders, local, state and national, and asked them for specific things to pray for. I took their reaquests and printed them up in the bulletin and then prayed them during the service. It was an excellent way to actually do last week's scripture instead of just talk about it. Of course Clinton's behavior is despicable, but I don't believe it is a "high crime or misdemeaner" that our constitution calls an impeachable offense. But it makes fascinating reading. And for those of us who prefer to preach grace rather than judgement, there may yet be a sermon or two there. Larry, cny.
I recommend Ann Coltoure's new book "High Crimes and Misdemeanors". I think views would change.
The founding fathers held in the highest regard the idea of maintaining public trust. In a variety of personal writings/references, inferences are made that losing the public trust would constitute a "high crime".
After viewing the semantic word games of the President's testimony, I don't know how any member of the public could maintain their trust in this man.
I shudder to think that one who swears to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth to God Himself, would then parse words into meaninglessness.
I don't believe that this is pursuing "righteousness, godliness" in any way, shape or form.
Rick in Va
I will likely preach on Lazarus and the rich man, Monica and Bill, and our own church. (So I am posting this message under both 1 Timothy and Luke.) Can you imagine how surprised the rich man was to discover himself in Hell? He surely would have demanded the Grand Jury's definition of sin, for he had never committed a crime that he could see. He ate well, dressed well, lived well. But was that a sin? Why Hell? He did nothing. And that's the point. By doing nothing in the face of such great need, he reduced Lazarus to an object. That's the connection to Monica and Bill. Sitting in the doctor's office, I picked up a copy of Glamor that promised a story about "My worst sexual experience" or something like that. One after another, 20-somethings detailed sexual encounters that reduced some passing partner to an object, stripped and ridiculed him or her. When we stop seeing people as sacred and get drawn into casual sex, we have a pretty hefty demon on our hands. I remember John Wimber's warning to his congregation after a child was found raped and murdered: When you start playing with sex, you get the whole demon. You can't just enjoy a little porn and then tell the demon to go back where it came from. We have a problem in our church with a few leaders who shout at each other in meetings, sometimes three or four at a time, no one listening to the other. It effectively reduces people to objects. I'm not sure how all this will come together, but I would welcome feedback, along with the name of the singer and words to the song, "Using things and loving people, that's the way it's meant to be . . . ." Bless you all. Anne in Providence
Thanks Rick. I am properly chastened. I re-read my post and it sounds harsher (more sarcastic) than I intended. I think what I was mainly reacting to in the Unknown Poster's decision to use this verse to "preach on the Clinton crisis" is that it seems a lot to hang on a single verse. The passage is, as you say, an exhortation to holiness and in that connection a reference to changing sexual attitudes may be apropos. Centering an entire message around what is essentially a side issus in the text still seems to me to be a bit of a stretch.
--Rod in Pixley
I addressed the issue of Clinton for the last two Sundays so I'll give it a rest this time. I'm going to preach on the love of money. This text contrasts the love of money with the life of the "man of God" Clarke says it is specifically addressed to Timothy, lead people to real life rather than the false hope that money offers. One quote I think instructive is "it is an undoubled truth, that “the love of money is the root of all evil;” and also, that the possession of riches naturally breeds the love of them. Accordingly, it is an old remark, Crescit amor nummi, quantum ipsa pecunia crescit: “As money increases, so does the love of it;” and always will, without a miracle of grace. Although, therefore, other causes may concur; yet this has been, in all ages, the principal cause of the decay of true religion in every Christian community." John Wesley
We live in an avaricious society and I am convinced that to challenge this passion is one of the most radical attacks one can make on our status quo. even my status quo..oops Lewis Archer
What happened to the discussion of 1Timothy? Of course we have the right to preach about the danger of casual sexual mores. Of course we have the right to preach about the President who's behaviour should be above the average and beyond reproach. BUT focussing on other people's sins is just what makes us vulnerable to overlooking the sins of materialism which are the point of this passage. Especially v. 9. Stretching scripture is I think justifiable in a lot of cases. But to do it in such a way that makes us more prone to the evil being addressed is a trap of the devil. I'd caution preachers to choose another text if you want to preach about sex. -Thomas.
To Anne in Providence:
I was struck by your comment, "I remember John Wimber's warning to his congregation after a child was found raped and murdered: When you start playing with sex, you get the whole demon. You can't just enjoy a little porn and then tell the demon to go back where it came from."
I'm thinking of a powerful image from C.S. Lewis' book The Great Divorce. One of the souls from hell (which are invited to heaven) has a pet lizard on a chain. The saint inviting him in says the lizard will have to go. The soul is reluctant but eventually tries to remove the lizard which grows in size and it becomes clear who is the pet and who is the master. The soul gets back on the bus to return to hell.
KenTucky
From the pen of Alexander Pope in his "An Essay on Man", words that seem prophetic today.
Sin is a monster of awful mien, That to be hated needs but to be seen But seen too oft, familiar with face, First we endure, Then pity, Then embrace.
Rick in Va
I am really distressed by all of the time and effort spent on this and all of the other lectionary sites on the President's sex life. I thought that the internet was international. I don't give a tinkers damn about the President and his sex life and the attempts to either impeach him or exonerate him. I care about the Gospel of Jesus Christ and how we can tell a hurting world of His love.
Bill in Timmins, Ontario, Canada
I am really distressed by all of the time and effort spent on this and all of the other lectionary sites on the President's sex life. I thought that the internet was international. I don't give a tinkers damn about the President and his sex life and the attempts to either impeach him or exonerate him. I care about the Gospel of Jesus Christ and how we can tell a hurting world of His love.
Bill in Timmins, Ontario, Canada
Bill in Canada - AMEN. Perhaps it depends on whose ox is being gored (the veep not intended), but my scroll finger has become as swift as my remote finger during the year of OJ. There is a place for extended discussion of current issues elsewhere on this site. Why don't those who want to talk about the crisis inside the beltway agree to meet there? AJM in PA
Well, here--I'll talk about I timothy...I am planning to talk about contentment. One of the greatest personal lessons I ever learned was the disicpline or gift (whickever, maybe both) of contentment. I think it is the key to "the christian's secret of a happy life" -- or as the writer to Tim said: to grabbing hold of the life that really is life. Boy -- if that's not what the whole world is LOOKING FOR -- I would entitle my sermon "Get a Life" except I am doing a series with all the sermons so far beginning "HOW TO..." so the title is "How to Live a Happy Life." Although the use of the work "happy" is not the best, I use it for simplicity. "How to" is indicated in Paul's list: be content with what you have -- and give everything else away. In other words, live open-handedly, generously, seek the good of others ...and you will grab hold of the Life that really is Life...too bad the rich man in the Lazarus story didn't do the same. Contentment doesn't come easily -- especially in this world where our culture worships Mammon and the philosophy is "The one who dies with the most toys wins." We were eating supper at a local resturant tonight and heard the wail of a young child...he put a quarter in the gumball machine and out rolled the gumball with "WINNER" on it...he had won $5! But was he happy? NO. He was throwing a tantrum because he wanted the yellow one. So, to stop him from disturbing the peace, his parents spent 6 more quarters until they got a yellow one. So much for teaching contentment. We really don't believe that "godliness with contentment is great gain" do we....how many of us would be content with just had food and clothing? I'd love to hear your answers, but I have to go to the finance meeting and see if my church will approve my raise......PastorL.
Well, here--I'll talk about I Timothy...I am planning to talk about contentment. One of the greatest personal lessons I ever learned was that of "learning to be content" (I'm still working on it...but I am doing better). I think contentment is the key to "The Christian's Secret of a Happy Life"
As Paul said to Tim: if we do these things we will grab hold of the life that really is life. While our culture is trying to grab all the gusto they can, grab all the money they can and grab all the material things they can, Paul tells us to live open handedly, generously and unselfishly. This Paul guy was really some partypooper. Or did he perhaps know the secret to joyful living? And are we brave enough to try it? I would entitle my sermon "Get a Life" except I am doing a series this month with all the sermons so far beginning "HOW TO..." So the title is "How to Live a Happy Life." Although the use of the work "happy" is not the best, I use it for simplicity. "How to" is indicated in Paul's list: be content with what you have -- and give everything else away. In other words, live open-handedly, generously, seek the good of others ...and you will grab hold of the Life that really is Life...too bad the rich man in the Lazarus story didn't do the same. Contentment doesn't come easily -- especially in this world where our culture worships Mammon and the philosophy is "The one who dies with the most toys wins." Case in point: We were eating supper at a local resturant tonight and suddenly the whole place turned toward the blood-curdling wail of a young child...he put a quarter in the gumball machine and out rolled the gumball with "WINNER" on it...he had won $5! But was he happy? NO. He was throwing a tantrum because he wanted "the yellow one". So, to stop him from disturbing the peace, his parents spent 6 more quarters until they got a yellow one. So much for teaching contentment. We really don't believe that "godliness with contentment is great gain" do we....how many of us would be content (not necessarily satisfied to stay that way always...)with just had food and clothing? Well, friends, I'd love to hear your answers, but I have to go to the finance meeting and see if my church will approve my raise......PastorL.
By the way, if Bill and Monica had learned to be content with what they already had perhaps. . .
Perhaps if I had been content with my first rendition there wouldn't be two versions posted. sorry...use the scroll liberally. They booted me off in the middle of posting the first one and I thought it was lost in cyberhell. Apologies. PL
To Pastor L et al. - I'm also preaching on "contentment." There is a lovely story in Chicken Soup for the Kid's Soul called "The Man Who Had Plenty" by Jerry Ullman. (p 162-3) Once there was a family that was not rich and not poor. They lived in Ohio in a small country house. One night they all sat down for dinner, and there was a knock at the door. The father went to the door & opened it. There stood an old man in tattered clothes, with ripped pants & missing buttons. He was carrying a basket full of vegetables. He asked the family if they wanted to buy some vegetables from him. They quickly did because they wanted him to leave. Over time, the family and the old man became friends. The man brought veogetables to the family every week. They soon found out that he was almost blind and had cataracts on his eyes. But he was so friendly that they learned to look forward to his visits & started to enjoy his company. On day as he was delivering the vegetables, he said, "I had the greatest blessing yesterday! I found a basket of clothes outside my house that someone had left for me." The family, knowing that he needed clothes, said, "How wonderful!" The old blind man said, "The most wonderful part is that I found a family that reallly needed the clothes!" I'm very far from where that man was. On a bad clothes day, when there seems to be nothing to wear in my closet, I can try on 5 outfits, leaving a heap of clothes on the bed when I finally get it together. More than a basketful. Any of the outfits would have been fine, and I have way more than I need. When we focus on our desires, which the advertisers are glad to help us do, we are turned inward, putting self first. We think we need everything we want. When we focus on the needs of others, we turn outward & our perspective changes. I think this passage speaks to my congregation as well. We have been meeting in schools for worship for 10 years - the life of the congregation. Some people have left because there is no church building. Others grumble mightily. But worshipping in a school means that our services are accessible to all, including people with wheelchairs & walkers, we have clean, working restrooms on the same level, and a custodian to set up & clean up for us. It's a great location - very visible to the public - & there is a kitchen & room for a nursery all near the worship space. Good sound system & accoustics. When it snows, the town plows & shovels. Some good reasons to be content. Less hassle with a building means more time to do ministry. More resources to feed the Lazarus' of our neighborhood and to clothe neighbors in need. To focus on others instead of ourselves. Good thing for us that Jesus was more concerned about our salvation than what to wear! Sorry I went on so long. Janet in NJ
Dear KenTucky, Thanks for the great C.S.Lewis piece. Anne in Providence
Just some thoughts...my husband is preaching on our culture's attitude of "entitlement" (we are both pastors)-- both rich and poor and in between can have this attitude. If I am "rich" I am entitled to it because I have deserved it; if I am poor, I am entitled to welfare, etc. If we are American....if we are Christian....and so forth. -- Attitudes of contentment and entitlement cannot co-exist. "Let us then have the attitude of Christ, who, though he was in the form of God, considered not equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself..." (Phil. 2:5ff) Cheeze, this Christianity stuff is hard. RevKK
Dear PastorL & Janet in NJ,
Thank you, thank you! i have been struggling with the good news - how to find it and still preach the sermon. I always struggle with this. In fact, I struggle with it so much, I am beginning to think God wants me to struggle with it. Oh, well. Anyway, thank you both. Contentment & entitlement! that is a concept that can preach. (I hope) HW in HI