Weekly Update// Pastor Will

Dear Asbury family,

 Last night when I was putting laundry away, I found myself reflecting on how/when I got each of the shirts I was folding. I know Marie Kondo would tell me that was not a good enough reason to keep those shirts, but that’s beside the point. As I reflected on the shirts, I found that there were a few shirts that I was more fond of than others, particularly a Duke Intramurals Champion shirt. You may have seen me wear it (proudly) on Morning Prayer a few times. I won it with a group of Divinity Students playing flag football. For that specific reason, I loved that shirt. It wasn’t given to me by someone. I didn’t just go out and buy it. I earned it. I remember a few years back, eBay had some commercials that communicated a similar point where people were running after a toaster. Essentially, they communicated that we valued things more when we had to fight or do something for them, in their case, winning the item via auction. The effort we put in reflected our gratitude for it.

 As I usually do, especially as a pastor, I got super theological and started thinking about our faith and salvation. My salvation is not something that I did anything for, but rather just accepted it as it was freely given to me. This also got me thinking about my level of gratitude for it. Since I didn’t do anything for it, I wondered if maybe that’s why I sometimes take it for granted. Sometimes even going without thinking about it. Before I beat myself up too much, I remembered that this was God’s choice to do so. Paul’s words in Romans 5:8 gave me comfort in saying, “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” While there may be moments when I take God’s love for granted or not acknowledge it, I have to remember that regardless of my awareness and/or appreciation, God still loves us, which is incredibly great news. Going forward, my hope is to slow down and be more aware of God’s love and presence in my life. I’ve only just begun, but so far, so good!

 This Sunday, we will dive into the third week of our sermon series, “Help My Unbelief” where we will look at the question, “Isn’t the Bible full of myths?” I’m sure this question has come across your mind or at least been asked of you, so I hope you all will join us! We will see you either online or in person, and until then, be blessed!

 Pastor Will

 Peace in Christ,