From the Pastors
In Titus, 1 Timothy, Colossians, 1 Peter, and Ephesians we see the apostles encouraging people to live out the Christian faith in clear detail. Children, Husbands, Wives, Servants, Masters, all are given clear instructions for how to serve the Lord and love their neighbors in their own individual circumstances. But this fact has me wondering: What would they say to us if they wrote today, to our circumstances. How would they describe the life of faith in our present situation? Just for fun, I started writing out possible ways that they might suggest we be faithful today during this crisis. As I did, I realized that such a list today would not be targeted at husbands and wives and servants, but to the many situations this virus has brought about in our lives.
If you have been blessed with extra time - Use it wisely! Make masks, call friends or family, join our “Caring Callers” team to bless the people of Calvary, or even do a service project! Social agencies are in desperate need of volunteers right now! There are so many ways that you can use unexpected time to bless the people around you. And don’t neglect this opportunity to spend more time with family (even if remote schooling is driving you crazy!) If you have been blessed with extra money - Whether you’re still getting paid and just got some extra through the stimulus or you simply don’t need your stimulus check, I encourage you to set aside some or all of that “extra” money to bless someone. Your blessing could be selfless, like a donation to local relief agencies or giving it away to a person you know who’s in need, or it could be somewhat selfish: You could spend it on takeout and support a local business or hire a contractor who’s short on work. Keep an eye out for the opportunities to give. But set it aside to bless someone else, or it will burn a hole in your pocket and be gone before you know it.
As Paul says in 2 Corinthians 9, “10 He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.” In both cases, whether we have extra time or extra money, when God gives a gift, he wants us to use it to bless others. He promises that when we do, he will continue to supply our needs.
But maybe neither feels like it applies to you. You’re one of those people whose “essential” status has made life twice as difficult and you’re barely getting by. If so, lean on Him. You have been given a mission by God to serve this community through a trying time. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters (Colossians 3:23).” Try not to let the little frustrations get to you. Commend those frustrations and fears to His care. Do your best. He will carry you through this.
From conversations with many of you, it’s clear that we’re each experiencing this time in dramatically different ways. If I haven’t spoken to your situation, I apologize! Do your best to be faithful within your own context. We each have a different cross to bear at this time, but let’s fix our eyes upon Jesus. Let’s support and encourage one another. Let’s come out the other side of this crisis closer to God and closer to one another. We’re praying for you!
God’s blessings.
God’s Peace,
Pastor Josh Reifsteck