Dear Partners in the Gospel,
I’d like to begin with a familiar reminder that Paul gave the Corinthians and that is always a good reminder for us. In the famous 12th chapter of his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul talks about the nature of the body of Christ (with us being members of the body) and the body being able to function because each part of the body has different gifts. But all are given by the Spirit for the common good (of the body). Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of working, but it is the same God who inspires them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.
You know your body and you know what Paul says is true. There are specific parts of the body that do amazing things for the benefit of the body at large. Every part is crucial for the functioning (even the life) of the body. That is God’s miraculous plan for us and for the church at large.
This is the point where I might, as a pastor, encourage you to use your gifts where you are, in the congregation where you are planted. And that would be good and is a good reminder for us all. Not everyone can stand in front of the community and read a lesson in church, but some can. Not everyone is able to “deal with” crying babies or teens in the midst of their life crises, but some can. We know we have a gift for a particular area of service when it is a joy, a “get to” rather than a “have to” do something. If we are doing something under compulsion, we should consider doing something else. This is not saying some of the things we do won’t be hard or challenging or exhausting. But our exhaustion will be an offering to God and for the good of the body (the church). As I said, I could go in that direction but I have something else in mind, something some might consider “mundane” and “secular.” I don’t believe anything is secular (as defined by my online dictionary as “denoting attitudes, activities, or other things that have no religious or spiritual basis).” I believe everything of value that blesses us has a spiritual basis. That which does not proceed from faith and has no connection in our minds to God (though all does), is of sin and deadly.
So what about watching movies? Reading books? Going to a football game? Doing crossword puzzles? Sewing? Biking? Jogging? Doing gardening? If those are a joy for you, a fun thing for you to do, realize that for some people they are of no interest and may simply be a pain and curse that needs to be done (like cutting the grass) or painting a house. No, really – some people love to do those things and more! They love working up a sweat cutting the grass and edging and trimming it and blowing off the sidewalk and driveway afterward. No kidding – they LOVE it! They even love taking care of the lawn equipment and use the blower to clean off the mower when they’re done. I admit I don’t understand it but I actually know some of those people.
So how or why is this connected to God? Is there any part of us that God did not make (besides our sin)? What if (and I say this only if you don’t think this is the case) God is really connected to every part of our lives, even our joys and interests? That means He has given us those interests “for the common good.” So what good could come of your interest in going to the movies? What if you believed that the community Christ has created is best able to serve and worship when the members know one another? So, if you came to me (or your pastor if you’re not a member of Shepherd of the Woods) and asked, do you think the pastor would help you set up a group to go watching movies? You might do it once a week or once a month and it might be followed by a time of coffee and cake at a café’ or a member’s house. There might be some discussion of the themes of the movie and where the faith intersects with those themes. If you had a challenge doing that, invite you pastor to go with you (I bet he or she will have a few “starter thoughts” for discussion (wanna’ bet?).
In effect, you’ll have formed a small group and have established a way for relationships to develop, where people talk and share matters of the heart and the faith. And the same could be said of any of the other “interests” that become interest groups. You may have come across a “great read” (as book readers describe it) and might even meet on Sundays when other are looking directly at the faith from the Bible, this group is bringing the faith discussion into the “real” life described in the book.
Exercise is good stewardship (taking care of our bodies that God has given us so we can serve Him for the time He gives us). Though my regular exercise did not prevent the genetic predisposition I had for heart disease (with my dad having five bypasses, two redone, high blood pressure, diabetes, aneurysm, etc), exercise sped my recovery following 3 heart attac 11 years ago to be sure. Those in the “secular exercise world” will suggest there is great benefit in having someone to exercise with, to encourage one another. I’d say, from the spiritual exercise world, nothing will make the time go faster walking or jogging or biking more than having a partner or two or three to talk and share and encourage one another. I personally love the blood that courses through my brain when I do my walks. When I walk with my wife, we have great talks about life and faith and the blessings God continues to shower upon us. That can also be part of a group event.
Imagine how disappointed someone would be if they loved doing yard work but found themselves moving into an apartment or in a house with a really small yard. It would be easy to form a group (like the “Wednesday gang” from years ago that did Habijax projects each week). They could serve keeping the grounds at church “up to snuff.” Or that service group could cut lawns for the elderly or those recovering from hospital stays that I’ll bet your pastor knows are in need of it.
And that is how it would work for any of the interests you might have. You, as a child of God, blessed with interests, can bring those forward for the common good. I pray you’ll pray, asking God how you can serve Him and His children with the gifts and interests He has given you. Blessings on your reflection. I’ll be waiting to hear from you.
Peace,
Pastor Johnson