(Episode 7-Posted Jan 21, 2008) We all have our "turn-offs" when it comes to relationships with people. So, what are the things that turn us off from going deeper with one another in the church? Pastor Dion tosses out a couple of relational turn-offs for you to consider in this week's episode. Plus hear some more ways that the community of St. Matthew is coming together to make a difference as God's people. Can't you just FEEL the excitement?
For next week, please begin pondering your strengths. Next week's topic is on the strengths you bring to the community of faith as we go after our mission together. Don't be shy, share your perspective for next week's episode!
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Conversations
This idea of turn offs caused me to post in the forums about guidelines for conversations. I think we can often be a real turnoff by the way we talk about things. It would be good for us to come up with some good reminders when we talk to others.
A way to think about these strengths is not what do you think your strengths are but what do others ask you for help on. This might give us some insight into what others think our strengths are. Maybe a little more humble way to approach this.
Lent Devotions
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Strengths in community
I've learned recently that God doesn't want all of us doing the same thing at church. He doesn't want everyone feeding the poor. He doesn't want everyone in the praise band. He doesn't want everyone running a small group. That's why we're the Body of Christ. We're not all the same and, therefore, he doesn't want us to do all the same things.
For me, this was a tough one to realize. I always felt like I shouldn't be spending time doing what I love (things such as building websites or configuring audio setups) because these things took time away from feeding the poor or giving shelter to those who are cold. This may be a hard thing for people to swallow and it was really hard for me.
One day, I realized that God gave me very specific gifts and passions. He didn't give me the gifts to talk to 90 year old ladies in nursing homes. But he did give me the gifts to connect younger generations to St. Matthew by building websites, producing video, or other things.
I guess what I'm getting at is: I think we put some things in ministry above other things because they seem more 'holy'. But I think the reality is, we all have to recognize the gifts God has given us. These days, I think if I neglected to help the church with implementation of media and went to feed the poor instead, God might look and me and think "Hey dummy..I gave you those gifts for a reason and you're neglecting them...I made other people passionate about feeding the poor so you're free to do what I've made YOU to do!"
This was long winded...but it's a lesson I've learned. As always, i'm open to being wrong on this, but I've been pretty convinced of it recently. Did that answer this week's question? :)