In his book “Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up,” Jerry Colonna recounts his rags to riches story, acquiring wealth and status in New York City, only to come to the following realization:
Success and money – and the busyness needed to create those – became proof of my worth as a human….It surprised me that becoming rich would lead me to want to kill myself. (Which came from) the hollowness of my life itself. It was the realization that having more money than I could have imagined, my heart still hurt.
Jesus encountered a similar man on his way to Jerusalem who was rich, young and powerful but whose heart also ached (Mark 10:17-31). Jesus encouraged him to sell his possessions and follow him, something the young man in the end just couldn’t do. Why? His money and wealth was proof of his worth, what the Bible calls an idol. Jesus’ additional comment about it being easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye than for the wealthy to enter God’s Kingdom is a reminder that the more comfortable our lives, the more we resist our need for grace, the more hollow our life becomes.
So as you start another week consider the following:
- Read Mark 10:17-31
- Identify one or two key ideas.
- Answer the question: “In what ways is money, either having it, spending it or wanting it, an obstacle to my enjoyment of Jesus?”
- Read 2 Corinthians 8 and ask the question: “In light of Jesus’ generosity to me how can I grow in the grace of giving?”
- Give to God’s Kingdom this week – through finances, prayer, time.
This is Jesus’ antidote to the hurting of a hollow heart and his invitation into life as it was mean to be.
P.S. Listen to yesterday’s sermon on Mark 10.
Give to the financial needs of RWS.
I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.
— 2 Corinthians 8:8-9
Sign up for Following Jesus
Starting on October 17, Following Jesus is a four week class meeting on Sundays right after church.
Whether you’re brand new to the faith or have been journeying for a while, we all have had questions at one point or another about topics such as discipleship, practices and habits, why we do or don’t change, and how God works in our lives. This class seeks to address those questions in in-depth and practical ways. It will interactive and you’ll even get a little bit of homework!
Coming up at RWS
- We’re hiring: There are a few positions that have opened up with our West Side Kids! Take a look and pass the word on to others.
- Sign up for Questioning Christianity Group: If you or someone you know has questions about the Christian faith, this discussion group is a great place to start exploring those questions! The group will meet weekly at a local restaurant.
- Visit The Gallery at W83: Check out the latest exhibit, “Truly, I Tell You”, Hannah Robinett examines the repetition of words from the Scriptures and brings to life patterns and visual cues that may otherwise be overlooked. Visiting hours are Monday-Friday, 8 am – 10 pm.
- Build your community: We are created for community and now is a great time to build out or rebuild yours after the last 19 months. We have large groups and mediums sized groups open to meet others.
- View cards from our COVID Day of Remembrance: March 14, 2021 was a day set aside by the city to remember and honor the lives lost to COVID-19. We joined those efforts by providing space for all to grieve, share, listen, and pray. We invited friends and neighbors to share stories and memories from the past year by writing them down and posting them on our sidewalk display. Take a look at what they shared.
- Become a mentor or tutor: Mentoring is one way to make a huge difference in a person’s life – especially your own?Or, make a difference by becoming a tutor and develop an ongoing friendship. Find ways to serve children, youth, and adults with disabilities during the 2021-2022 school year.
- Serve meals at All Angels’ Church: Love your West Side neighbors experiencing homelessness by providing to-go meals on Sunday evenings. Volunteers as young as 12 can serve. All volunteers must be vaccinated.
