Oh the many hats we wear each day!  Sundays are always an adventure for my family as we never know where the day will take us after worshipping with everyone.  Yesterday I was not only Pastor Jan but also Farmer Jan and Technician Jan as we spent the afternoon at my in-laws harvesting potatoes and corn as well as running to Target to look for components to hopefully fix our television problem.  It was an interesting reminder, in the context of yesterday’s sermon, that I am not primarily defined by my job or my title at any given moment but rather I am defined by who I belong to.  I am Christ’s and He is in me as I preach, as I pick produce, and as I peruse perspective products for my television problem (nothing like alliteration on a Monday!).

As Allison and I discussed the sermon throughout the afternoon, there were a few things I thought I could follow up on this morning.  The first was in the context of the marriage relationship yesterday I mentioned Emmerson Eggerich’s book “Love and Respect.”  Allison and I went through the small group materials on this book with a group at church during our engagement.  It was foundational to starting our marriage off well and still is a reference for us today.  I can’t recommend the book enough.  If you are married or even just thinking about marriage, this is something you definitely want to read.  I often thought of doing the small group study at HBIC but just never have taken steps in that direction.  If this is something you might be interested in, let me know and I’ll get moving on it.

The second thing I thought was worth mentioning as a follow up was in regards to obedience.  Paul talked about both children and slaves following the instructions of their parents and masters respectively.  We applied Paul’s thoughts to employees and employers as well.  There’s something to be said about putting our best effort forward whether we are being watched or not.  But there’s also something to be said about having a clear line on when to be obedient and when to not be obedient.  Paul simply says to do what we’re told to do.  I think there’s an implied footnote that, when it comes to obedience, we are obedient to God first. If your boss is asking you to do something unbiblical you are not called to be obedient.  We answer to God first and foremost…He is our Master.  So yes, do what your asked to do with your best foot forward but also obey God’s word first and man’s second.

I don’t know if any of that is helpful but I found myself thinking about them after yesterday’s message.  I hope that you find it easier and easier to “wear God’s clothing” as you go about each day.  Model Christ in all of your relationships and honor Him in all things.

In Christ Alone,

Pastor Jan