David Miller’s sermon today was on the worship of success. At one point he mentioned that sometimes he has thought about getting a doctorate. But he questions his motives. Is the real reason for getting it so that people could see the diploma on his office wall—the desire for status and success? He said he was discussing it with someone this week. They told him he should get the PhD only if he would get it even if no one ever found out he obtained the degree. It struck Pastor Miller that this was a good way of approaching it. This would be getting it for the right reasons. In Sunday school we were able to cover two lessons today. The scripture for the first lesson was 1 Corinthians 12:4—“Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.” The lesson was written by Carol Nyborg. She wrote: “We are all given a spark of the Holy Spirit that ignites when we engage in a work where our passion lies.” Mitch said that everyone needs something that they can be passionate about—where their mind and emotions are engaged and where the Holy Spirit can find expression. When people lack this outlet, the need for passionate engagement can take unfortunate turns—for example in irrational prejudices that can be harmful or in the worship of idols. The second lesson by Dean Williams stated that “…God will be reliable when our world crumbles, righteous when others fail us, our rock when fear of the unknown grips our hearts.” This lesson dealt with the challenges that everyone faces—no one is exempt from misfortunes. When--not if--they occur, we need to be ready to meet the trials with a firm faith.
Print Page
Print Page
