A “Can Do” Spirit for the New Year

I often ask people in the church to do something outside their comfort zone.  I ask them to consider a new idea, study scripture in a challenging way, serve on a board or committee, create change within the congregation.  Sometimes this meets with an excitement to do something new and different.  However, most of the time, it is met with “I can’t do that” or “I don’t know how” or “Are you kidding?” or “We’ve never done it that way” or sometimes people just get angry.

Bishop William B. Oden, who was the Bishop in the North Texas, wrote an article which I want to share with you which addresses stepping outside our comfort zones and doing what God calls us to do.

“Leonard Sweet, the Dean of Drew Theological Seminary (at the time), is one of my favorite preachers.  Part of a sermon I heard him preach still rings in my ears.  In fact, I asked him for a copy of this sermon.  I want to share a portion of his preached word:

One of our students received an appointment from a bishop, and the student did not feel the placement exactly suited his abilities.  I overheard him complaining about it to another student, and then the other student said, ‘You know, the world’s a better place because Michelangelo did not say, ‘I don’t do ceilings.’

Her comment stopped me dead in my tracks.  I had to admit she was right.  If you and I are going to be faithful to the ministry God is calling us to, then we better understand that.  I reflected on the attitudes of key people throughout the scriptures and the history of the church.

The world’s a better place because Moses didn’t say, ‘I don’t do Pharaohs or mass migrations.’

 The world’s a better place because Noah didn’t say, ‘I don’t do arks and animals.’

 The world’s a better place because Rahab didn’t say, ‘I don’t do enemy spies.’

The world’s a better place because David didn’t say, ‘I don’t do giants.’

The world’s a better place because Peter didn’t say, ‘I don’t do Gentiles.’

The world’s a better place because Mary didn’t say, ‘I don’t do virgin births.’

 The world’s a better place because Jesus didn’t say ‘I don’t do crosses.’

The world’s a better place only if you and I don’t say, ‘I don’t do…..’”

May we minister to those in our church, community and world with a CAN DO spirit in the name of Christ.

Peace, Tracy