Above all, love each other deeply because love covers a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. —1 Peter 4:8-10, NIV
I remember as a child when my parents would tell me the expectations and the proper way I was to behave in our home. So, often I would say, “Yes, Dad” or “Yes, Mom,” and under my breath I would grumble my displeasure at their demands.
Over the years, I have come to realize that often we are required to live a certain way required by our circumstances. We often think we know best or at least know more than those who we live or work with. One thing my parents taught me was no matter what … do the right thing.
As called by God to our roles here at Presbyterian Homes & Services or in any arena we find ourselves, we are given certain rules to follow to properly fulfill our job requirements. The key is to embrace our callings and “love one another.” If we keep this thought at the center — love for others and for the Lord — he will give us the love, desire and the ability to use the gifts he has given us to serve others.
It doesn’t matter whether you are an administrator, nurse, pastor, server or in another role God has called you to. We need to come together to share those God-given gifts. So often I am reminded of our mission: to honor God by enriching the lives and touching the hearts of older adults. When I leave a resident’s apartment, I turn to see in their eyes and on their face a smile of thankfulness and hope. Wow! There is no better feeling than loving one another.
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. —1 Corinthians 10:31, NIV
Rev. Tom Parker is a campus pastor at Shorewood Landing in Shorewood, Minn. He is a Baptist General Conference ordained minister and has served as a senior pastor in the church for several years and also worked for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. God has blessed him with three daughters, nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
The Light for the Way series provides staff with an examination of a biblical reading to deepen our focus on scripture. Thank you for engaging with this series as we seek wisdom through prayer and reflection as a Christian ministry.
