2/26/2012

The Common Good

My Dad, Fred Moore, is being ordained today at Lakemont Ridge Worship Center in Frostproof, Florida.

I'm preaching at the ordination service.  The Bible focus is 1 Corinthians 12:4-11.  Here's the sermon

"The Common Good" podcast
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It’s not about you, Dad.

Yeah – who are we kidding. Of course it’s about you today. But it’s about so much more.

Y’all have met my father. You’ve gotten to know him over the years. And I think you’d all agree with these things. Dad,

  • You are handsome
  • You are extraordinarily talented
  • You are really smart
  • You are a great husband
  • You are the best father
  • You are the man I want to be when I grow up.
  • You are an excellent preacher, teacher, and pastor
Dad – you’re a star.

Oh, but there is something else.

You see good.

I don’t mean that you’ve recently had cataract surgery and now can see well without glasses. You, as my English teacher father, may have turned your head slightly at what sounded like incorrect grammar.

It isn’t

You see good in people.

You see good in community.

You see good in God’s children.

You recognize that there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit.
You recognize that there are varieties of services, but the same Lord.
You recognize that there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone.

You see good, because God sees good.

And God isn’t stingy with the gifts God gives. You’ve seen, Dad, throughout your life, people of all ages wonder what gifts God has given them. And you’ve helped so many to discover what gifts God has to offer.

  • As a youth leader, you’ve helped young people to discover what gifts God has to offer.
  • As a teacher, you’ve helped students to discover what gifts God has to offer.
  • As a licensed minister, you’ve helped folks in church to discover what gifts God has to offer.
  • As a parent, you’ve helped your family to discover what gifts God has to offer.
  • As a worship leader here, you’ve helped this gathered congregation to discover what gifts God has to offer.
Today we’re celebrating. I am so proud of you today, Dad. I am thrilled that today we are recognizing the gifts and graces you have for ministry. I am honored to be part of today’s ordination service.

But, let me go back to the beginning. It’s not about you, Dad.

Well, it’s not entirely about you. It’s about recognizing the gifts God has given you, just as you recognize, over and over again, the gifts God has given to all.

Being an ordained minister is cool. And today’s ordination doesn’t make you better than anyone else. It does offer all gathered here today an opportunity to express the gifts God has given.

  • Hospitality
  • Organization
  • Generosity
  • Singing
  • Playing music
  • Sharing love.
In celebration of this marvelous event today, yes, and also in celebration of how all in this gathered congregation share their gifts.  Working together for the common good.

The common good.

Dad:  Congratulations.
Mom: You don’t have to call your husband Reverend Freddie now.
Family and friends gathered here:  May you all attend to one another, showing love, kindness, forgiveness, mercy, compassion, generosity, and hospitality.

May we all seek to live as people of one Spirit, one Lord, one God – working together for the common good.

Amen.

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