"Tireless for Doing Good" 2 Thess. 3:6-13
Delivered to Smith Chapel UMC on Sunday, November 14, 2010
What I Didn't Say
Goofy Jokes--I'm not sure why, but when I can't seem to come up with a good opening for a sermon, I throw in whatever joke seems to fit the subject. This sometimes works really well, but quite often it bombs. I hope it, at least, gets people's attention. I apologize for the jokes at the beginning of this sermon. They sounded funny in the quiet of my study. Unfortunately, that quiet translated quite well to the sanctuary as I delivered the jokes.
Apostle Paul--I've always been amazed by his view and use of authority. He seemed to take for granted that his churches would view him as somewhat of a general...even after he was long gone from the region. I don't think I would want to try writing a letter to one of my old congregations and order them to do something. I guess that's why I'm not an apostle...or maybe it's BECAUSE I'm not an apostle that I wouldn't want to try. In any case, I don't think I'll be writing any letters like that in the near future.
Jobs--I've worked at least two jobs (at one time) for much of my life. Sometimes I've worked more than two. I've never quite figured out if it's because I'm a workaholic, have a great work ethic, or am just plain money hungry. Probably the latter...
But I don't think I'm in love with money so much. I think it's simply that I hate the stress of not having enough to pay the bills and a few extra bucks to give me some slack to play with. Money can't buy me love, but it really helps to set the tone for a more relaxing life.
Right now, it looks like both our daughters will be getting married this coming year. I'm already stressed out thinking about what that will cost. Whoever came up with the idea that the bride's family pays for the wedding. Maybe I need to get a third job again.
