For example, if someone arrives at point in their career where they are comfortable and at ease, some might say, "You've built quite a nest for yourself!" Or when we feel comfortable at home in our workplace, we talk about being in our "own little nest". The word "nest" reminds us of shelter, coziness, comfortable, homey.
In fact, don't birds actually build nests for their young? For the future and next generations? Aren't all of the hours carrying straw, sticks and mud and endless work feeding and keeping watch day after day, night after night, really for the benefit of the new ones? The Young, the Future?
What if we were to consider our "nest" as the church? The building, programs, ministries, each job description, and each mission and service we provide - are they for our own comfort and coziness? Or are they to further the faith and to provide for future generations? Does our giving serve us and our needs? Or does it serve God by serving the mission of the church to reach new people?
When we place more weight on what feeds the soul, nourishes the spirit, and sustains the steps of those outside the church or new to the faith, rather than giving emphasis on what we want, prefer, or find convenient; It is then that we are truly serving God.
Those new to the faith are as vulnerable as young hatchlings, and require a steady and dedicated effort of feeding and nurturing. The budding faith of young people requires our committed attention; extra care; overtime in planning, teaching, encouraging, mentoring, support and generosity.
For us to follow God by serving the mission of the church, we must realize that the nests we build are not for ourselves - they are for the next generation, those new to the faith, the future of the body of Christ.
This week, I have re-examined my focus on generosity and giving.
How does your focus on generosity and your level of giving support the mission of reaching other people?
"And the things you have prepared, whose will they be?" ~Luke 12:20
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