You are the treasure.
When we think about “treasure” it’s natural to wonder what that treasure is. Talents? Money? Resources? An actual trunk of gold coins? Those may be tools that enable our work in various ways. But they aren’t the treasure.
You are the treasure.
In the parable of the mustard seed, Jesus describes the way God begins his work with things that appear to be small but can grow large enough for everyone to call home.
Over the past few years, University Place Presbyterian Church (UPPC) has demonstrated three qualities that are a testimony to the ways God is working in our midst.
- UPPC is a family.
In 1927, Jesus’ people wanted to teach the gospel to families on the west side of Tacoma. The startup met at the Narrows Tomato warehouse and affectionately referred to themselves as “The Wayside Chapel.” One record states that attendance was around 22 people. Mostly children!
What a reminder that the congregation we gather with weekly isn’t something we deserve. This community is a gift from God, planted around 90 years ago, which has grown into a large and beautiful tree!
- UPPC is a place where people find hope in Jesus.
The image of the “wayside” is so important to remember, because it refers to life in dynamic motion, rather than a people who give intellectual assent to a set of doctrines. Before anyone understood what to believe about Jesus, people were drawn to Jesus himself, that is, they stopped along the wayside. To eat and drink. To converse. To ask questions. To seek healing and care. To laugh and live life.
This organic way of living our faith is why we “embrace messiness.” We like to say, we either are a mess, we were a mess, or we’re one dumb choice away from becoming a mess. So welcome to the journey!
- UPPC is a people who give sacrificially.
Here’s the thing — it’s not about money. As U2’s Bono once famously said, “The God I believe in isn’t short of cash.” Giving sacrificially is about wanted to live a real testimony of God’s provision. In fact, it is the only thing about which God invites us to test him — God’s generosity.
Part of sacrificial giving is doggedly maintaining an open and inviting attitude. It’s all too easy to become comfortable in our community, but the sacrifice of throwing wide the doors means that there’s one more person or family who can experience the love of God as the mustard seed continues to spread its branches across the world.
For reflection:
- If you can think of a time someone gave sacrificially for your sake, find a way to share that story with someone.
- Have you ever had the chance to give sacrificially, either of money, or time, or talents, or with an attitude of openness to others?
- Imagine your community 40 years from now; what part might you be playing now in building a community for that time?
Many blessings,
MM
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