No – this title isn’t about my job – it’s about yours. I’m expected to fulfill that call – I’m expected to do God’s work every day. And I usually do, mostly because I like to do it. In fact, it is one of the most disturbing things – to me – when people who have made vows to do what is right for God live in ways that oppose goodness. Not a new problem, just a confounding one. This is why the writer of James wrote, “Not many of you should become teachers (preachers/pastors, etc), my brothers and sisters, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.” So, no – this isn’t about people who are professional do-gooders. This is about you.
One of the ways I have always liked to conduct my ministry is by connecting with other non-profits to develop partnerships. This public ministry has allowed me to see countless people doing God’s work every day. Here in Berks County, I have seen your passion and commitment at every turn. Without you – in the United Way, Safe Berks, the LGBT Center (among many others) – little could get done. I see it in the teachers at Riverside Elementary, a place our church has taken on as a mission – which means that we provide a little help now and then to let the staff know how much they mean to us. I see it in first responders; men and women who put their lives on the line every day. I see it in local politicians and civic leaders; many of whom are working insane hours to balance out the negative things that are happening all around us. Medical personnel – home caregivers – childcare workers – skilled tradespeople – if I left you out, I apologize – I only have so many words a day – you do God’s work every day.
There are also a lot of people working against the good work being done by all of you, which is why what you do is so vitally important in making the world a better place. There are too many people trying to tear this world apart for power and money and just plain meanness. If they didn’t exist, I suppose we wouldn’t have to work so hard. They do – so we must. All of these words have been spilled out on this page to say this: we see you – we appreciate you – and we thank you. And for those who are not contributing to the common good – it isn’t too late. Come from the dark side into the light. We believe in second chances.
Prayer – Holy God, thank You for the spark You give to all who are inspired to make the world a better place. Amen.
Today’s art is “The Way of Goodness” by Tommie Olofsson.