Except for These Chains

The Apostle Paul - not the first person you would want to emulate! A reformed Pharisee, rough and rowdy advocate for Jesus Christ, in prison more than free, a martyr for the early Church. We want to live for Christ, but dying for him seems a little extreme! In our sermon today at Main Street United Methodist Church Rev. Todd Watson reminded us that Paul's call to service need not be a call to die. "I pray that you become like me, except for these chains." What does it mean to be like Paul in 21st century America?

Todd constrasted being a church member with being a member of the Rotary Club:

1. You are expected to give of your time and money.
2. You are expected to form relationships.
3. You are expected to show up for the meetings.
4. You are expected to invite your friends.

If being a church member is no different than belonging to a civic or social club, why do we bother? Are we truly a Christian, or are we just playing at being a Christian? Are we truly an engaged church member or just a consumer of religion? What is the difference?

Paul tells us our relationship with God is so important that the rest of our life should consist of serving God and making Him known throughout the world. That's a little more commitment than Rotary, huh? We need to live our life in a way that people can see our beliefs in the way we live and love.

Do we model God to our children, grandchildren, or spouse?

Do we model God in our workplace - do we give our all to our work, the way God gave His all for us?

Do we model God in our leisure? Our God is a playful God, He wants us to enjoy our life and have happiness.

To be the church in the world, we have to put it all on the line, give all of our life to God, and know God and make Him known in the world.

Our committment will be different than Paul's, but no less important. We do not lose by surrendering to God. Our prayer: O God, make our hunger and thirst for you so great that we can't rest! Amen!