Open Hearts: Part 2 of UMC Slogan series. (Part 1- Open Doors 6/11/26)

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me…The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart” Psalm 51:10-17

In the last Burnt Ends blog, Open Doors, we discussed the importance of hospitality and the counter example of those in Sodom who lived a hedonistic lifestyle. {read the last blog for an explanation of why I personally do NOT think homosexuality was why Sodom was destoryed.} Sodom had no sense of community or any care for foreigners.  Individuals lived solely for the fulfillment of their own pleasures, their ‘hearts turned inward,’ as Martin Luther describes sin. So, when angels come to town only faithful Lot opens his door to them. Open doors seem to be hinged to open hearts.

How open or how closed off are our hearts? A healthy heart pumps constant blood flow for good circulation in every part of the body. If there is any blockage in the heart to blood flow that can lead to major problems. Does our society have heart disease? Are there not parts of our population that are not getting enough blood flow? Rural communities like ours often can feel like an appendage not getting enough circulation of life-giving resources. Apparently, this could be the case right here at home if it were not for the huge heart of community members and charity organizations.  Such as the dedicated volunteers working with the Farmersville Outreach Alliance. Because twice a month there is a line of cars down the street waiting to pull in our breezeway for Farmersville Outreach Alliance’s grocery give-away. FOA’s food distribution has grown, meaning more families are in need of groceries to be able to put food on their table. I’m also extremely thankful for the gifted volunteers of the CommonGoodMedical clinic who care for uninsured residence of our community every Friday in FUMC’s Bakers House. I’m blessed to serve a congregation who was willing to open its’ doors to host this life-changing ministry.

In a consumerism culture it is easy to forget that a church is not a big-box store, and a worship service is not a product. Yes, we go to church for our hearts to be filled with the outpouring of the Living Spirit’s grace through song, prayer, scripture, fellowship, sermon, and sacraments. However, worship is meant to be more than a personal one-way engagement. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr warns against this kind of hypocrisy; “How often are our lives characterized by a high blood pressure of creeds and an anemia of deeds.” We are called to worship God through our actions, once our hearts are filled with the Spirit, we are inspired to open our hearts to share that sanctifying grace with others.       

One of my favorite theologians Henri Nouwen offers excellent questions to discern whether one has an open heart in everyday life; “Did I offer peace today? Did I bring a smile to someone’s face? Did I say words of healing? Did I let go of my anger and resentment? Did I forgive? Did I love? These are the real questions. I must trust that the little bit of love that I sow now will bear many fruits. Here in this world and the life to come.”

It is such a blessing to serve FUMC Farmersville, the Heart of the City. If you have a heart for the needs of your neighbors, FUMC will put you to work! Together we can help keep our blood pumping so that every member of our community is nourished by God’s grace.

...next week, UMC Slogan Part 3; Open Minds