17th Sunday after Pentecost
Stewardship Emphasis
Text: Romans 12: 9-18
Pastor Jean M. Hansen
When I was in Nebraska two weeks ago at my “Cousins’ Reunion”, the topic of travel was raised and it was interesting to note that at least four of us had some trepidation about being in, on or near large bodies of water. The logical conclusion was that this was the result of having been raised in the middle of the country where water was what one needed to keep livestock, crops and gardens alive. We grew up far from big lakes and oceans, too far for regular visits, so time on a beach or in a boat or ship was (and is) intimidating.
I’m hoping, though, that even if you’re a land lover like me and my cousins, you’ll enjoy setting sail on the steward-SHIP during the next few weeks. You won’t be alone; we are indeed stronger together. Our journey is about being good stewards, which is the principle of faithfully managing all the resources God provides—including time, talents, money, and I like to add two more – relationships and creation—for God’s glory, the extension of Jesus’ ministry, and the benefit of others. It’s all about how we live as followers of Jesus, that is, how we respond to God’s love that is made known in Jesus.
That is the focus of today’s reading from Romans 12. In that chapter the Apostle Paul wrote of being transformed, meaning growing more and more into the image of Jesus. For a bit of context … Paul’s letter was to the newly formed Christian church in Rome, which was made up mainly of gentiles (non-Jews). These were people from different backgrounds who needed a tutorial on what they believed as followers of Jesus, which is found in the first 11 chapters of Romans. Then, the tone switched to what putting those beliefs into practice looked like.
In other words, the focus was on answering the question, “How should we live?” It’s a question that is still pertinent today. If you look closely at the passage, you’ll see four circles of relationships. They are: one’s own community of faith; then the Christian community beyond one’s closest church family and, also, strangers; then one’s enemies and finally everyone. (1)
There are around 30 imperative statements, or commands, about how to be in relationship with those people, and all the verbs are plural. In other words, don’t try this alone (we are stronger together.)
Starting with the first circle, the one closest to you; in our relationships with our own Christian community (the people of FLC) the message is: do not be fake, love without hypocrisy. In other words, love one another warmly, with devotion, with sincere concern for the others’ well-being. Quoting commentator Frank Couch, “If asked if members of their church are their friends, these Romans are NOT expected to say, “Well, not friend friends, more liked just Facebook friends.” (2) We are to be “friend friends” to one another within our faith community.
Together we are to detest evil, that which is profoundly immoral and contrary to God’s will and ways, and help each hold onto good, which for us can be defined as Jesus and doing what he teaches and demonstrates. Then we arrive at verse 11, our theme verse for the Stewardship emphasis. “Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in Spirit, serve the Lord.” Be committed, excited about, devoted to, Spirit-led in supporting the ministry of Jesus, and one another, in this place, which, of course, is easier to do together. As a community of faith, be hopeful, patient even in suffering and PRAY. (That’s good advice for the year to come, when transition will be abundant.)
Now we come to the second circle, which takes us a bit beyond our comfort zone because it includes the Christian community beyond one’s closest church family and, also, strangers. Generosity is to extend beyond the immediate community to others with whom we interact. “(These verses) do not limit the horizon of our concern to our extended family, to existing members of our community, or to people who actively support us and never threaten us.” (3) Instead, we are supportive of neighboring churches, like Holy Trinity Lutheran, but not just Lutherans, also our family in Christ at St. Hilary Catholic or New Hope Baptist, for example. And, we are to extend hospitality to strangers, people we do not know, but who would benefit from an outreached hand of friendship and support.
The third circle pushes us well beyond our comfort zone. The Apostle Paul certainly sounds like Jesus who proclaimed, “But, I say to you, listen, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” (Luke 6:27-28) Although we may not want to do so, or struggle to do so, not doing so is not something to brag about. This is a straight-forward, but difficult answer to the question, “How should we live?”
And, finally, the fourth circle includes everyone: celebrate with others in good times, weep together in difficulty. (We’ve had many opportunities to do that due to mass shootings and extreme weather.) Live in harmony, be humble and do not claim wisdom you do not possess. Followers of Jesus do not repay evil for evil but do that which is honorable. And, as far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. In other words, do not contribute to conflict or division with your words and actions.
WOW! That is a lot to take in, and is the answer to the question, “How should we live?”, at least in part. And it is not easy, which is why we need to take this trip together, to strengthen one another to live so that God is glorified, the ministry of Jesus, particularly here at FLC, is extended and others are benefited by our words and actions. Everyone is needed to share your cargo of time, talent, money to keep the ship afloat and to help one another live as followers of Jesus. So…even if you are intimidated by large bodies of water, like me, step out in faith as we set sail on the steward-SHIP! All Aboard! AMEN
(1) “Commentary on Romans 12:9-21” by Mary Hinkle Shore, www.workingpreacher.org
(2) “Commentary on Romans 12:9-21” by Frank Crouch, www.workingpreaching.org
(3) Same as #2