Old School Faith, Nu Skewl World
That was the title of my most recent sermon. However, I wrote that title before I wrote the sermon, so it factors little into my actual sermon.

Using the theme of "Back to School", I told the stories of Solomon praying for wisdom when he took over the throne, and the story of Paul in Athens at the Areopagus. Both went back to school, Solomon to learn and apply himself to be a good king, Paul to speak to the philosophers using their logic and their imagery etc. I closed with this:

"What’s new in your life that’s sending you “back to school?”
For some, there is a new job beginning and/or an old job ending. Changing employment causes you to have to learn. You’ll need new skills at your new job. Different jobs usually mean different money situations. If you’re going out on your own, maybe now you have to control more of the finances yourself. If your job is ending, you’re going to have to deal with a different financial situation.
Changing health situations require the individual, as well as their family, friends and caregivers, to go “back to school” to deal with new treatments, new medication and new pain.
Changing family relationships cause everyone to go “back to school.” A new child in the house means new jobs to do, more needs to meet and patience to deal with it all. A new husband or wife requires you to learn to share space and time and to communicate better than ever before. The departure of a loved one forces everyone to comfort and support each other in a time of grief and loss. New struggles and ever-changing family dynamics cause us grow as well.
When you stop learning, when you stop caring, you fail. If you stop caring about your job, you get fired, or your profits disappear. If you stop caring about your health and the health of those around you, it deteriorates even faster. If you stop caring about your relationships with your family and friends, people get neglected and relationships fall apart. When you stop learning, when you stop caring, we all suffer.
When you find yourself going “back to school” to learn to deal with new surroundings, new situations, don’t go it alone, turn to God. Like Paul, look for the story of God’s love to be revealed. Like Solomon, ask God to give you the wisdom to deal with it.

“God. In many ways, we are still children, and do not always know how to carry out our responsibilities. The people and things that you have asked us to take care of surround us, your servants, and we are often overwhelmed by them. Give us, your servants, discerning hearts to distinguish between right and wrong, to face new situations, good and bad, with the kind of wisdom that you have shown to us.
Amen.”"

   [ posted by William @ 1:27 PM ]