Dear Grace Family:
The word “sloth” refers to one of the seven deadly sins as well as what one writer describes as the “sleepy, tree-dwelling species that has the slowest metabolism rate of any nonhibernating mammal in the world.” The connection between these references implies to me that what is sinful is a lack of movement, energy, commitment and enthusiasm.
During Lent, we hear so much about giving up vices. But rarely do we hear of someone giving up sloth for Lent. What if we commit to eliminate sloth from our lives during the remainder of Lent? Peter Marty, in a recent editorial in The Christian Century magazine, says, “I wonder if our weariness with what’s not right in the world sometimes makes us more apathetic toward that which is good.”
Of course, there is a solution for these symptoms that come with weariness. I wish I could say it as succinctly as Peter Marty, but he does it best when he says, “Engage with the world. Stop shaping life into a yawn. Don’t check out with a failure of purpose. Instead of moral inertia, ‘do not be weary in doing what is right.’
This Sunday, March 3, will be a day to celebrate at Grace. Our scripture passage for worship is 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18. We have a special opportunity this week to hear from one of our youth, Cole Moderson. Cole will share a message entitled “Worshiping God In The Mundane.” I hope you understand how important it is that we support and encourage our youth in their faith. Allowing them to share a message is very important, and we show our support by our attendance and gracious encouragement. We will also celebrate a family joining Grace, with two children being baptized at 11am!
So, instead of becoming weary, how about committing now to come to worship Sunday and committing to pray specifically for Cole and for the growth of our youth and children’s ministry at Grace? It is a commitment that you can keep, and it won’t cost you any money!
May God bless you and your families this weekend!
Steve Hart