Pastor's Pen
A monthly message from the hand of Pastor Stockman
Be a Match
Question: "I have been experimenting with different ways of making a fire. Can you tell me if there is an easy way to start a fire using two pieces of wood?" Answer: "It is easy to start a fire with two pieces of wood if one of those pieces of wood is a match."Β
That simple truth is very useful tidbit for each one of us. It is very easy to find reasons to criticize others. I even heard a joke about a complaint box in heaven. Why? For those people who arenβt happy unless they have something to complain about. I am sure there will be no need for a complaint box in heaven. Yet complaining is a fact of life. Husbands complain about their wives and wives about their husbands. Parents complain about schools and children complain about their parents. People complain about work or elected officials. It is easy for anyone, including those of us who should know better, to find reasons to complain. May I suggest a different approach that is more pleasing to God? Try being a match!
You are at home, thinking about the actions, or lack of, of a family member. "If only he, or she, were more considerate or more helpful and loving, this family would really catch fire." Maybe the action should be on your part. Try being a match.
You wonder why the school doesn't do more for kids. You think about all the things that could be done and grumble that no one seems to want to do anything. Maybe you should try being a match to light the fire.
Whether we are at work, in the community, or on church boards or committees, we have those times when we blame the leader of the group for not providing the incentives to get things done. Instead, why not be a match!
In the days ahead, the next time you fret about the waste of time, talent, or energy; and you wonder why nothing seems to be on fire. Be a match! Dr. Guido Merkens wrote in his book, BREAKTHROUGH FOR YOU, "You people sitting in the pews are the church, not this building, but you, God's people. You are the instruments Christ uses to reach others." You are the matches, created by God "to declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." The words of the song "Pass it On" express this thought well. "It only takes a spark to get a fire going. And soon all those around can warm up in its glowing. That's how it is with God's love once you've experienced it. You spread His love to everyone; you want to pass it on." May the wonder of Christ's resurrection from the dead fill you with joy and hope. May his love and forgiveness for you warm your heart and fan your faith into flames that makes you a match.
Rev. Reed Stockman