The
Spire
People of
Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church
M t . Pl easant U nit ed M et hodist Chu rc h The Stuff of Life
We all carry stuff - some good, some not so good. Some of the stuff we carry we picked up all on our own and so we have a hard time not being protective of it. We intentionally wear our career and our wealth like a badge of honor in a competitive world just to prove that we’re good, decent people. In this world, we learn that what you need to be happy is just a little bit more… “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matt 11:28 Some stuff was given to us by others. Through years of criticism, neglect, and betrayal, stuff becomes attached to us and limits how far we’re willing to go and much we’re willing to risk. It’s like running from your own shadow, your faults and failures follow you wherever you go. In this world, we live fragmented lives, hoping for a wonderful life, yet can never quite able to escape the ghosts of the past. “if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:26 When we arrive at church, it seems all too easy to hide our stuff and stroll in with a painted-on smile, well-groomed hair and an outstretched hand. We pretend our stuff doesn’t really exist and look with envy on those who smile back at us, who seem to have it all together. Since we’re not being honest with ourselves, we trust others even less, feel more isolated and become sporadic in our attendance, guarded in relationships and reluctant to get involved. “I can do all this through Christ who gives me strength.” Phil 4:13 But what if the invitation from Christ was for something far different, something so liberating and inspiring it drew people out of the shadows to find the source of it. What if the church was the best place for the courageous to finally be open and honest about their stuff with God and others! What if the church was the best place for the risk-takers to choose a different way of life and find the encouragement needed to follow through. What if being a Christian was something we aspire to become, rather than just a label we wear. “I gave up all that inferior stuff so I could know Christ personally, experience his resurrection power, be a partner in his suffering, and go all the way with him to death itself.” Phil 3:10 (Message) We all have stuff. That’s obvious. What is not so obvious is how to let it go and build a life that’s not controlled by ghosts from the past. Together we can find a better way. So join us… Blessings,