Dear Family at Christ Community,

       As we’ve been hearing from the Gatherer in Ecclesiastes, how we live matters to our ability to take joy in and be grateful for the good gifts that God gives to us. He has consistently emphasized that living wisely, though it doesn’t grant status or control, proves better than folly, though it may gain status or perceived control. Paul makes this argument in Ephesians 5:15-17:

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

       This Sunday the Gatherer in Ecclesiastes 10:1-7 will instruct us in how to walk as wise. Though the proverbial wisdom that he offers us isn’t exhaustive, it will help lay a firm foundation for how to think and live wisely for our joy and the greater good of those around us. As we saw from Ecclesiastes 9:11-18, this wise influence for the good of others could result in us being poor, despised, and forgotten. However, out of our gratitude for God’s good gifts and reverence for Christ, we’re to choose to live wisely in Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit.

       To do this consistently over the span of our lives, we’ll need some help to travel this narrow way. Our Abba Father provides nourishment for this faithful calling in the Lord’s Table! The broken bread helps free us of the burdens of shame and guilt that weigh us down and reminds us of our forgiveness in Christ. The overflowing cup helps to make merry our redeemed hearts as we now have access to all the heavenly blessings and wisdom through the Holy Spirit who now indwells us. Please come prepared to be gratefully nourished by these good gifts given by the grace of God!

In Christ,
Cameron