Enditnow Sabbath in Lübeck
Once again, on January 29, 2022, the church service in Luebeck, Germany concentrated on the topic of ending violence – enditnow.® There was a lot of informative material for people to take away on the topic of violence prevention
In his sermon based on Genesis 39:1-6 Jan Kozak explained how Joseph took responsibility for his life. Often people make excuses and say that their upbringing and circumstances leave them no choice. They always blame someone else for their situation.
Victor Frankl, who survived the concentration camps, realized how he gained inner freedom through the power of thought and imagination and learned that it is one's own decision how circumstances affect one's life. Joseph was a living example of this truth. His experience was threefold:
1. Even as a slave he did his best when circumstances were bad. God blessed his actions, but Joseph had to take the initiative. It is up to us to determine how much we allow a negative situation to affect us.
2. Joseph chose his words wisely and gained an ever-increasing sphere of influence. He had a positive attitude and dared to suggest a way out of the coming catastrophe. If we have a positive attitude, we, too, can learn many things.
3. Joseph actively shaped his environment in Potifar’s household and prison, becoming an overseer. People who do not take responsibility for their lives consider themselves victims of circumstances. People who take responsibility tackle issues where they have influence (family, community, career, neighborhood) and use their positive influence. We should consider where we can change a situation and shape our environment.
Conclusion: Success and failure do not depend on external circumstances but our attitude and actions. Joseph took responsibility for his life and so should we. If we cannot change our situation, we can change our attitude. Sometimes it is also necessary to step back and let things go. Only I am responsible for my life and no one can take that away from me. How good that God is always with us on our way and gives us strength to discern and tackle things, to let go where necessary and to find peace in Him.
In addition to an inspiring sermon, there was music and praise, a wonderful children’s story, and a report about the work done by the sewing circle Café Kreativ.