Are we more important when we’re doing things, or when we’re just ‘being’?
On Sunday night I loved the service that many of us were involved in. It was incredible to see so many people helping and contributing in so many different ways. I saw many of your gifts being used – and I felt proud inside. The Vox Pops video was great with Jake and Collette, Tom and Sarah did a great job in communion, Gav and Laura presenting, Jez’ singing voice (!), Helen and Claire were masterful in the kitchen, I could go on... there were so many of you who helped!
What really moved me was the feeling that the service was more YOUR service, and we had a very genuine time together and with God. I felt his presence powerfully - I hope you did too.
But... there were some who didn't contribute on Sunday, only by being there. And that got me thinking...
God loves us so much that there is nothing we can do to make Him love us less, and nothing we can do to make Him love us more. He loves us. That also means, when we do ‘nothing’ he loves us, because we’re just ‘being’. We're not used to that, because at school, or at work, people tend to ‘like’ you for what you do (e.g. get good grades in exams) and they like you more if you can ‘do’ a lot. Whereas God loves us just for being us.
So on Sunday, those who didn't do much in the service were helping just by 'being' there, just by being YOU. It is important to be involved when we can, but our importance is not based on our involvement.
Let’s create a youthgroup where its considered equal to use our gifts or to sit and receive. We'll all take turns to be involved anyway. Let's create a youthgroup where if we’re at the service, or in our small group or at a social, we love each other just for being ‘you’.
Let's love each other, and ourselves, just because of who we are, and not because of what we do.
'But then God our Saviour showed us his kindness and love. He saved us not because of the good things we did, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins and gave us a new life through the Holy Spirit.' Titus 3:5 |
