The life of the beloved, of Christians, is not and was never meant to be a private affair. Yes, there are many private aspects. Being chosen, blessed, and broken often require the spiritual and private work of cultivating an awareness of God’s presence, though there are corporate parts of this cultivation.
But we are chosen, blessed, and broken in order to be given. God is transforming us to bless the world. God is loving us to love our neighbors. God is teaching us so that we can be examples of righteousness and obedience.
At its core, being given is our act of stewardship. While stewardship includes financial donations and tithing, it is never limited to that. Stewardship is giving away part of what God has given us. God has chosen us – we are given to choose others. God has blessed us – we are given to bless others. God is with us in and through our brokenness – we are given to walk with others through brokenness.
What has God given you?
How has God used that to shape you?
How is God giving you to bless the world?
Today, this is most prominently demonstrated in those who are continuing to work to keep our lives going. I’m so thankful for the gift that grocery workers are giving me and so many others so that I can keep eating. I’m thankful for the gift mail carriers are giving me and so many others so that I can continue giving and receiving notes. I’m thankful for the members of my church who are giving me and so many others their time and prayers. I’m thankful for nurses, doctors, and other healthcare workers for their gift of life.
These servant leaders inspire me to continue giving even as our situation changes. I can give my time to pray for and with people, to continue preparing and leading worship services, to provide space for virtual meetings and fellowship, to give as a husband, pastor, friend, son, brother, and dog dad.
I hope these folks inspire you to give of yourself too. God has chosen you, blessed you, and provided wholeness in your brokenness, all so that God can give you to the world.
Chosen, blessed, broken, and given.
The life of the beloved.
Pastor Drew's Desk 