So Go To the Manual

So I finish writing the above "lead" post and turn to look at what today's Gospel is and I find the Sermon on the Mount, specifically Matthew 6:

"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, ... do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

I had two thoughts, after I stopped shaking my head.

• 1. Too often, because of natural concerns and buildings and maintenance, etc. the organized traditional church often finds itself serving money. I know that this is one of those customary and standard criticisms of the church. Sadly it is not that far from the truth. Many pastors spend a great deal of time studying budgets and financial statements- or at least the results of them. Yes, the church needs money to survive. But it is difficult to continue to serve God when money becomes the center of attention. If we are to have an organized church, this will always, always be a problem.
  

So then I came to the other thought.

• 2. Stop worrying. It is not for me to figure out. It is God's work and direction however it's being done; wherever it's happening. Maybe if I stop worrying so much and looking at the lack I will begin to find the presence of such places and people and communities. Maybe I will even find The Presence alive and well just as I expect Him to be.