In recent sermons we have been discussing the reality of
the "cultures" in which we breathe and drink in our understandings
about what matters in life. Much of how we live is intuitive. When we make
decisions regarding the use of our resources between two good things, there are
assumptions behind our decisions.
It is also true that our hurts, fears, and anxieties,
affect our decision making and priorities. Without careful meditation and
evaluation (and the wise advice of those who love and observe us) most people
won't recognize the true things that drive them. Instead of being responsive
and thoughtful, we are often reactive and stressed-out.
One main purpose of the Church of Christ is to hold firm
to the "first things" that give the redeemed true wisdom and
direction. The Church is to help her people to keep their eyes on Jesus. Thus,
during the storms, or when the storms do finally arrive, we are prepared and
ready.
But if our lives are so jammed-packed with good things,
so that we have no time for spiritual preparation and prioritization, should we
be surprised when the storms knock us for a loop? Storms and crisis don’t care
about our priorities, retirement plans, or scheduled events. They come anyway
and sometimes force us to look at the true weakness and vulnerability of our
focus and choices. They are the true “flash floods” that reveal our
vulnerabilities. However, if we are building on the ROCK, we will stand firm
and remain strong through the storms that hit us. Why? Because we are preparing
for and we expect them to arrive in our lives.
Sunday, we are going to look at an everyday scene that
will be familiar for most of us; two sisters, handling an important guest in
different ways. One is wrapped up in convention and the cultural assumptions
that are intuitive. Another is enthralled with knowing and following Jesus;
this results in her taking a disciplined hearing to his teaching first of all.
Jesus, as he often does, redirects the assumptions of us all.
Good vs. Best (Video Sermon)
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