"What are you passing on?”

In my ministry I’ve said hello and farewell to several congregations.  Honestly, the hellos were quite easy, but farewells always emotional and challenging.  If there was one theme I always lifted in any transition, it is this, “You are in God’s hands. This is Christ’s church and the Holy Spirit will continue to work through you! I thank God for the privilege of serving here.” 

Well, in Acts 20 we hear Paul saying farewell to church leaders and other disciples in Ephesus. Paul recounts all the challenges and hardships of his ministry and, at the same time, expresses his humility in serving Christ. He then prepares the leaders for what is ahead. Beware aware of the troublemakers who will stir things up and cause problems. Keep the grace of Christ at the center of the church and trust that the Holy Spirit will be at work.

Paul passes on wise advice. What advice or insights are you passing on to others.  Whether you are saying hello, farewell, or right I the middle of things.  What’s your word?

I hope that grace will be at the very center of your life and faith. I pray you will always be graceful and a great giver of God’s grace to others.  After all, we “saved by faith through grace.”   Grace puts us in the great relationship with God in Christ. Now that’s something we can all pass on, isn’t it? \