Each of you should look not only to your own interests,
but also to the interests of others.
(Philippians 2:4)
Ever since my Pastor Profile was published in the Worthington Daily Globe, I get an occasional ribbing from a parishioner or a colleague about my interests. One of the most recent looked at my professional interests with all the big theological words and then my personal interests of old-school professional wrestling and role-playing games.
These are my interests. I enjoy reading extra-biblical material. I enjoy watching people beat each other up. But my sermons aren't riddled with allusions to these things. As a pastor, I'm bound to make sure that the illustrations I use drive home the point of the sermon. Not to draw attention to myself and alienate those who don't understand the illustrations.
Many times we become too engrossed in our own interests. God calls us to be engrossed in our neighbors' interests so that we may better minister to them. Being better ministers to our neighbors, we show our love for them as we have been loved by God.
Show interest in your neighbors' interests. Jesus showed interest in yours as He came down to save you from your sins. Show the same courtesy to the neighbors for whom Jesus also came. Amen.
