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Monday, February 19, 2007

Tromping on Toes or Dancing with Joy

This week's newsletter article:

“It’s not a good sermon unless you’ve stepped on some toes.”

Someone, intending to be funny, made this remark to me on Sunday morning before the early service. Now, this is someone who I can count on for a little gentle picking, and let me assure you, I was in no way offended. But I did think about it all through the early worship service, and about what we expect from a sermon.
I don’t ever preach with the intent to “step on toes” or prod people into changing their behavior. That’s not what I believe the gospel is for. Instead I think we are called to live in community with Christ and one another (that kind of love lets us pick on one another a bit from time to time), and to share the good news of Jesus Christ and extend the kingdom of God to all people. It’s hard to introduce people to the love of God if we beat each other up in church…why would anyone want to come back to that?
So instead, let me leave you with the same thought I expressed in my benediction on Sunday: Instead of leaving this place sore and limping from your tortured toes, I hope you leave here dancing, because together we’ve experienced the power and glory of God, and are leaving full of God’s love to share.
Anne

1 comment:

  1. Dear and Gentle Reader,

    A wise man once told me that my comission in ministry was to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable. I will pray for you in your struggle.

    Since I last had the pleasure of visiting ye, I have had many thoughts upon ye and your work. Keep hold the faith and continue to run the race! We will praise God for what he has done through your ministry and I cherish your willing spirit and compassion.

    Who knows but it may please God to make ye an instrument in His glorious work? In effecting an union among the labourers in His vineyard? That He may direct and bless you in all your steps is the prayer of my heart.

    Your affectionate and obedient servant,
    JW

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