Grace Lutheran Church, Centerburg Ohio

A Message from Pastor Chris...

In the March issue of Lutheran Woman Today, I read the following question to ponder:

 

“Is it possible that maturity (or growth) in Christ has to do with being honest about what we do not do well and equally honest about what we do well?  How would it change our community (Grace) if we were neither falsely modest nor falsely proud?  What might you give up or take on if you were free to think with sober judgment about your gifts?”

 

A poignant thought coming from Paul’s words in Romans 12:3 where he states:  “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.”

 

During this season of Lent and often in our day to day lives we can get caught in the trap of thinking too highly or too lowly of ourselves and both can become burdensome and symptoms of unbelief.  How you ask?  When we think too highly of ourselves, we get caught in micro-management and taking on too much responsibility, not allowing others to serve alongside with us.  When we think too lowly of ourselves, we let self-judgment, put-downs and comparisons cause us to spiral downward in thinking our self will never be good enough.

 

The gift behind the question above is that in this passage from Romans, Paul emphasizes that a variety of gifts are needed and necessary for the whole body of Christ to remain healthy and vibrant.

 

On March 21, we celebrate with joy that Panna Flowers is joining our family here at Grace.  May we each embrace her, encourage her and honor her gifts as we honor each other, realizing each member brings uniqueness and joy to our family in Christ.

 

And may we each continue to discern the offering of our own unique gifts here with honesty, faithfulness and joy.

 

Blessings,

Pastor Christine