No, I’m not on the war path. For several months we have heard of plant closings in Martinsville and Henry County and just this week our local paper reported that over 600 jobs have been or will be eliminated in the coming months. Last night, I found out about one more. However, this one is personal because it’s part of our congregation. Pastor Jeremy at Hayward Wesleyan Church wrote this board report about a month ago and it sums up my feelings this morning. Here’s one quote that resonates with me this morning.

I am concerned about what our children and youth in Hayward have to look forward to. FUTILITY? Or HOPE? Which is it? Are our lives centered around God’s kingdom and the ways of Jesus? Or are our lives centered on what this world has to offer in all of its futility?

I could easily change Hayward to Martinsville. I’m asking this question Sunday. Are you content or hungry? Are we content with living in this world? Or do we hunger and thirst (desire) the things of God? Do we desire to build God’s Kingdom and live the life Christ has called us to live? Only then can we have a mission of hope.