World Changers

I was thinking about how capable the people of our church are. We have lawyers, judges, teachers, doctors, nurses, dentists, businessmen, counselors, vocational professionals, and retired professionals, etc. Additionally, all of our people have abilities too unique to be categorized. Every civic and service group in town has United Methodists participating, offering their leadership and service. In every major community fundraiser, I see United Methodists participating.  Additionally, wherever there is major damage from natural or manmade disaster, you’ll see United Methodists among those who are helping.  Our motto for disaster cleanup is, “We’re the first ones in and the last ones out.” 

Our mission statement is, “to make disciples for the transformation of the world.” Our church is full of people who do that every day, who go out to serve, teach, heal, and render aid.  We make things better and we don’t stop at religious ritualism—we put our beliefs into practice.

A vibrant church equips its members to go out and do their best work. I think we forget that goal when we become overly concerned with self maintenance, if not self preservation.  I say all churches need to quit thinking of themselves and focus back on their mission, which is to make the world better and to make the kingdom of heaven remains accessible.

We come together to worship God and fortify each other with encouragement and healing. We study to know more about Christ and how to grow as disciples. We train the children to take on Christian values and help them to fully know their God.  And all these things equip us to serve Jesus’ purpose, which is to help and heal all people

United Methodists. We are world changers. 

I Am the Nerdy Healer!

When Jesus hung out with the drunks, prostitutes, and tax collectors, it doesn’t appear that he actively worked to change them.  In other words, I don’t think any preaching or teaching went on while they ate, drank, and danced--he just had a good time with them.

Was he criticized for being with them? Of course he was, but his answer to the criticism was that they needed him, so he was there for them. It wasn’t just his teaching or miracles or good example that affected them. They needed him because it is the presence of Jesus that is healing and restorative. For them, the eating, drinking, and dancing became the church activities that facilitated their being with Jesus.   

I wonder sometimes... was Jesus the life of every party.  You know, the fun guy toward whom everyone gravitated? I figure he was, considering his entertaining stories and personal popularity.  Yeah, he was probably cool. 

Not so with me.  I usually end up sitting on the periphery of these gatherings, watching, listening, and smiling, because I enjoy people. However, I never quite know how to participate in these settings, and sadly, people become a little uncomfortable about turning it loose in front of the pastor.  Occasionally a kind person will come over and speak to me for a moment, then wander back to the crowd.   

I’d like to be cooler, but wine gives me a headache and as I get older I become more and more the absent minded professor who isn’t well versed in pop references. I can’t dance and I listen to music that’s a little out of the mainstream, which is to say dull.  I don’t even follow sports.  No matter how hard I try, there’s just no changing the fact that I’m kind of a nerd. 

And that’s okay because in addition to the drunks, prostitutes, and tax collectors, Jesus loves nerds like me.  He sees the worth in all of us, and when I look through his eyes, I see more deeply the worth of each person, including myself. 

I don’t have to be exactly like Jesus, which is good because my personality is somewhat different. But I can be happy being me, and I can enjoy being with others, appreciating them just as they are.  And that makes me a kind of healer too, even if I am a nerd.