Sermon “Nugget”:
How to Be Good for Nothing
We are a rewards based culture. That is not necessarily a bad thing, but too often we approach a situation with the attitude of “What’s in it for me?” We try to invest our energies into those situations that will produce win-win situations. Again it is not a bad thing, but how often do we as individuals, as a society or as a church do something simply because it is the right thing to do? How often to we respond to a situation of unfairness or injustice without looking to the bottom line wondering what it will cost us? A woman was given a humanitarian award for her work as a volunteer caring for babies born with HIV. While she was flattered by the recognition she asked, “What does it say about a society that gives rewards for such behavior because it is unusual and not the norm?” Her point is well taken. Shouldn’t we be good for nothing?
Jesus was good for nothing. He healed because he could. He did not grandstand. He did not go looking to perform miracles, yet by his presence and nature, he created a space where people were welcomed and could be made whole.
The church should be the place that creates the same welcoming space where the problems, pains and joys of our lives can meet the Holy. A place where people can pour out thanks or pour out tears. A place where people can be touched by God and made whole. And finally a place where we can all learn to be good for nothing.
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