LIFESTYLE

Pastor's Corner: Rejoice in following the Lord

Pastor's Corner

By Rev. Paul Wier
First United Methodist Church of Fairbury

Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ.

“Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel; the former proclaim Christ out of partisanship, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in that I rejoice.” Philippians 1:15-18

Love and truth are more important than personal popularity. Two grandchildren were at odds. One was demanding to have things her way, and it was creating difficulty. Putting a quick end to the dispute did not eliminate the emotional toll; the wailing and weeping began. Picking up the wounded one, assuring her of being loved, reminding that this behavior was not appropriate. It was a difficult two minutes, then we moved on and life continued with laughter and fun.

It is tempting in such moments to give whatever is wanted, but that is precisely the problem: what of everyone involved, what of that which is best and most pleasing in God's creative purpose for us?

Paul shares the truth of the Gospel, the manifestation of love and truth, the offer of salvation and new life is far more significant than personal preference! Even if the Gospel is shared with intent to harm, compete, malign, or do personal injury; if folks come to faith in Jesus we can rejoice.

John Wesley wrote of his struggles:

“O let no one deceive us by vain words, as if we had already attained this faith! By its fruits we shall know. Do we already feel 'peace with God,' and 'joy in the Holy Ghost?' Does 'his Spirit bear witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God?' Alas, with mine He does not. Nor, I fear with yours. O thou Saviour of men, save us from trusting in anything but Thee! Draw us after Thee! Let us be emptied of ourselves, and then fill us with all peace and joy in believing; and let nothing separate us from thy love, in time or in eternity."

Our personal state or condition, important though it is, is not the measure of love and truth! God's mercy and grace active in the power of His Holy Spirit, the saving grace and love of Jesus Christ, this is the measure of eternal favor and goodness. God is willing to work abundantly for good in us, whatever our state or condition, always in gracious, eternal, pure, and perfect love. May we heed his Holy Spirit wooing us to ask him to work in us.

Responding to the opportunities revealed by His Word, the Church, and His Holy Spirit; we find great joy and fulfillment in seeking to share his truth and mercy in life-changing ministry with others.

We do not accomplish our agenda, but accept our Lord’s mission. We may not give others what they want but offer God’s perfect grace and peace. We may be thanked or we may be cursed, yet may our priority always be to offer them Christ.

God's Holy Spirit communes with our spirits to convince us of God's work in us for salvation, purification, perfecting and completing us; while we live in ministry, which glorifies God.

Pray earnestly and fervently that God will raise up his Church to go into His Harvest and accomplish what He desires for his glory and the salvation of many souls!

In Jesus.

Rev. Paul Wier pastors at First United Methodist Church of Fairbury