Vainglory? What in the world is that? A brief look into one of the seven deadly sins. ​

Today we are excited to welcome Pastor Nick Bonsky to Extraordinary Connection.  Pastor Nick serves as the associate Pastor at Orchard United Methodist Church-Farmington Hills where he focus' on the Youth and Men's ministries.  You can learn a little more about Nick on the 'About' page and we know you will warmly welcome him as he offers today's devotion.

Hello all!  

I’m back after 12 weeks off for parental leave as my family welcomed the fourth member – Benjamin James. He’s a sweet little chunk of love and I’m so thankful for the time we had away.  

I write to you on this first week of February. February in the U.S. is also a time when we recognize and remember the contributions our black siblings have made to this country. It is a time to carve out space to reflect on where we’ve come and where we are going as we continue to struggle for racial justice. 

A few reminders about why it’s important to reflect and recognize Black History Month: 

1. The Bible says we are to work for unity through our love for God and others (Ephesians 4:11-15). We are brought together through our believe in God through Jesus Christ – not because of our skin color. While the world seeks to divide, God seeks to reconcile. We can continue to seek reconciliation and understanding by celebrating Black History Month to create a foundation of love. 
2. We still have much work to do to create a world where each person is valued in the eyes of another. When we celebrate Black History Month, we continue to help remind ourselves and others that there is still work to do and not to be come complacent in our places of comfort.  

We are reminded in the book of Revelations: "After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed with palm branches in their hands” (Rev. 7:9).  

I hope you will do something this month to recognize how our black brothers and sisters have carried us to this place in history. Educate yourself on the ways in which black and brown people in this country are still facing a multitude of injustices each day and how you can alleviate some of this suffering through your daily choices. Read a book by a black author… watch a movie that educates you on the history of black folk… donate to a cause that works for racial justice – but do something. Don’t let the stress and chaos of this time in history allow you to become complacent in your work toward standing shoulder to shoulder with people of all colors here and now. You don’t have to wait until you are standing before the Lord to do so.  

Peace,
Sarah