As a pastor, I am very fortunate to see people at their very best. I see amazing possibilities lived out in the life of our faith community. It is truly amazing to experience the best that humanity has to offer. Being a witness to the incredible love of God as manifested in His people is miraculous. There is nothing quite like it.
Unfortunately, there are times that I see people at their worst. I see how some people treat one another and wonder how in the world are we living into the definition of love as set forth by the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians? It just doesn’t make sense. Surely we are called to be better than harsh words and name calling. We are to build up the kingdom, not tear it down.
Today, I am reminded that we are called to love one another as Christ has loved us. We are to be living witnesses to the power of the Most High God. Our attitudes and personal opinions are not needed here. We are to focus and reclaim our heritage. After all, we are children of the Father in heaven.
My hope for today is that we remember the greatest commandment. We are to love God and to love our neighbor as ourselves. There is nothing more important than these two edicts from the one who continues to save us from ourselves. Thanks be to God for the blessings that are revealed to us in the form of Jesus the Christ. May we remember to pray for those who we may not necessarily want to call our neighbors. Through the power of Christ, we are instructed to transform the world, not condemn it.
When the preschool children leave the church each day, I tell them goodbye, and remind them not to hit anyone. I think we can learn a lot from this simple request that I make. Let us not physical, verbally, or emotionally slap anyone. The world would be a far better place.
From a Pastor's Point of View 