For we are co-workers in God's service; you are God's field, God's building. — 1 Corinthians 3:9 (NIV)
That's plain enough, isn't it? You're no longer wandering exiles. This kingdom of faith is now your home country. You're no longer strangers or outsiders. You belong here, with as much right to the name Christian as anyone. God is building a home. He's using us all—irrespective of how we got here—in what He is building. He used the apostles and prophets for the foundation. Now he's using you, fitting you in brick by brick, stone by stone, with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone that holds all the parts together. We see it taking shape day after day?a holy temple built by God, all of us built into it, a temple in which God is quite at home. — Ephesians 2:19-22 (MSG)
When I recite the Lord's Prayer in service each week, it never fails that the part about God's kingdom to come "on Earth as it is in Heaven" conjures imagery of grace, beauty, peace, color, and life all around us. The kicker is it's still being built—by us in partnership with God. What an honor!
South Main is blessed in that everywhere you look—whether in the faces of our diverse congregation and staff, across the buildings on campus, or through our ministry partnerships local and abroad—good things in the name of Love are happening every day. Seeds of faith are being planted and watered, and both literal and metaphorical stones and mortar are being laid down to pave the way for the gospel. Our dedication to sharing what we've been given not only helps our prayer for God's kingdom on Earth to become a reality, but it's also a divine opportunity to be a part of the story.
On behalf of the Stewardship Committee, I invite you to play an integral role through a faithful (and faith-filled) commitment to financial giving this year. No matter the size of the seed or stone you give each month, God can and undoubtedly will use them all. Whether small gifts, large gifts, stretching-us-thin gifts, or first-time-to-do-this gifts, they all matter and make a difference. Will you play your role, either by placing a card as your offering in worship or by getting a pledge card to the office by mail?
Isn't it encouraging that just like how God's invitation of grace is for everyone, the building of His kingdom is, too? Whatever your ability to give, we each can add to the beauty of this work in progress. My mind's eye sees it as a glorious mosaic of all shapes and sizes, and because of His goodness, I believe we'll see beauty flourish in our own hearts, as well, as we give in faith. Together, let's play our parts in the kingdom that's coming!
