Hobson’s homiletical choice
Back in the Autumn, when I was planning the church’s Spring preaching programme, it seemed like a really good idea to hold some kind of “Valentine’s special” this Sunday. Now that it is nearly here – I’m not so sure.
I can’t decide between speaking out about the shabby tat and lewd nonsense which passes for romantic (and sounding like Mr Grumpy in the process) or rolling over and joining in with the lovefest, whilst seeking to bring some Christian significance to it. Add to that the complications of the singles and others in the church who would be happy to let Valentine’s pass them by – and you have a real dilemma. Which should it be?
Whilst pondering that – think on this. Last time I went looking for some worthwhile Valentines’ gift the best one I found was …in a new age shop, surrounded by ‘faeries’ spell books and ‘magic stones’. There in the midst of them was a beautiful candle, engraved with 1 Corinthians 13. It seemed like a real ‘Paul-in-Athens’ moment, with a yearning for God expressed in amongst the pagan statuary.
The guiding light on occasions such as Valentines’, I’m sure, is to ‘make the most of every opportunity’ (Ephesians 5 v.16) for the Gospel- whilst all the while avoiding sounding like Mr Grumpy!
[PS: perhaps there are more positive ways to express the love at this time of year – see my post on the Toilet Twinning blog: http://toilettwinning.blogspot.com/]
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Much as I love to receive a red rose from hubby, I would have to go down the route of contrast and compare what the money spent on a flower or balloon or tat (that will surely end up in the bin or in a drawer somewhere) would buy in our overseas mission supported areas, or how it would help fund BMS, or a Marie Curie Nurse… there are many ways to show love and share love.
Alternatively (my evangelistic streak writes this)… is it time to go out on the streets after the morning services and give away a free gift of a flower to passers-by and when asked why you are giving away free flowers…. perhaps there is something that can be said about it only being a flower… but the free gift of life is there also!
Ok… I’ll stop rambling and try and write my sermon on John 11 v 45 -57!
Glad I’m not the only one! As for me, I’m sticking with the Love theme but exploring the connection between 1 Corinthians 13:13 and the ‘Greatest Commandment’. In other words, what would the world look like if people adopted Paul’s love chapter as part of their every-day lives in response to Jesus’ command to love God and each other.
Sounds like a good plan…and not just for a sermon!
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