Shawnee Church of the Nazarene
Pastor Cara Shonomon's Weekly Email for Friday, 25 May 2018 from Shawnee Church of the Nazarene in Shawnee, Kansas, United States
Greetings Shawnee Family,
Greetings Shawnee Family!
I have been reading a book recently titled, “Humility Rules: Saint Benedict's Twelve-Step Guide to Genuine Self-Esteem.”
As I have listened to him speak in various YouTube videos and begun to read this book I really appreciate his heart and desire to seek after the Lord. In one YouTube video he mentions that he has tremors from years of playing rugby, but also that he has Parkinson's and knows what the future has in store. He wasn’t bitter or frustrated. He was matter of fact and moved on to the next talking point. I was blown away by this monk.
The premise of his book is summed up in these three quotes:
- “This program is called The Ladder of Humility and it comes from a short book by Saint Benedict called simply The Rule.’”
- “Genuine self - esteem is a form of holiness, and holiness, in Saint Benedict’s eyes, is not about self-love but self-abandonment . In fact, the whole idea of holding yourself in high esteem would sound ridiculous to him. It would defeat the very purpose of the Christian life, which is to empty one’s self in order to make room for God’s grace.”
- “They are fear of God, self-denial, obedience, perseverance, repentance, serenity, self-abasement , prudence, silence, dignity, discretion, and reverence.”
Here's the catch though: Jesus worked (Mark 6:3); so work, which was once a punishment, has become for all of us a sacred duty and a redemptive act. By virtue of this humble work, we not only bring ourselves into closer conformity with Christ, but actually help bring creation itself to perfection. We complete God’s work!
How amazing and encouraging is it that we get to work to be a part of the redemption of this world? That our work, whatever our vocation, is to be used in service to God. In fact Wetta goes on to say,
“Therefore, your work—whether it is a chore around the house, a homework assignment, a sports practice, or a job with an office and a paycheck—isn’t just a means to an economic end. Nor is it something you need to “get over with” in time for the weekend. It is an essential part of your sanctification, a share in the divine [family] of Christ, and a means of discovering your true self. So the next time you are inclined to grumble about how much work you have to do, try to remember that even this is an honor because it has been redeemed by Jesus. If it was good enough for Him, it should be good enough for you. In the words of the prophet Azariah, “ Take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded” (2 Chronicles 15:7).
What a great reminder that when God is our all and everything we do flows out of the Triune God, then our work is a part of what it means for us to be Holy, Sanctified, and becoming more and more the image of God in the world.May we be people who allow our work to be a means of sanctification in our lives and a means of grace for those around us as we live out our call to be the presence of God in this world.
I am so thankful for each and every one of you. May you sense the overwhelming love and presence of God in your lives today!
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Cara
Contact:
(913) 631-5555
Shawnee Church of the Nazarene
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