Gleanings…

What a complex world we live in.  This is not a new revelation but one that makes itself known when things/times get hectic.  Then, no matter what we do, it seems that we only get more tangled up and more behind.  At moments like that, the best thing that we can do is to step back and look from the balcony.

So, what do we see?  Most of our gazing from the balcony reveals that most folks are doing about the best that they can.  Those with families, friends, and neighbors who care for, with, and about them find the help they receive to be a blessing.  This can only be true when there is true caring, one for another.  Those who do not care just get in the way.

Many (Most?  All?) of us are blessed to have a relationship with someone that does not require us to spell out what they can do to help.  The acquired comfortable familiarity that comes with caring enables each one to do what each is gifted to do.  Cooking, cleaning, caring for the yard. paying the bills, washing the clothes, shopping, and so many other tasks tend to be handled efficiently by this one or that one without anyone needing to direct them.  What is the secret?  Love.

In many ways, every body of believers—a congregation or a church—operates the same way.  There are many things that need someone(s) to take care of them.  Cleaning, preparing for worship services, providing for music and voices to lead those gathered in praise, lament, confession, and thanksgiving, teaching different age groups, organizing various events, and paying the bills all need someone to take them on so that the message of God’s love is proclaimed to all.  Some of these are performed by councils, teams, and committees.  Some wait for someone with a heart for that task to notice.  Again, what makes all of this happen?  Love.

The Church would not exist if it wasn’t for the love of God through Jesus Christ.  Knowing that we need each other, knowing that everyone needs companionship, God showed us through the life of Jesus, how we can be a blessing to others.  Sharing our lives, hopes, and hurts, we can care and make sure that no one is left to fend for themselves alone.  At the same time, we build relationships that reach out to welcome and care with and for those who are alone.  In this way the people are blessed to belong, and God is praised.

The Bible reminds us from its first words to the last that we are to love everyone.  Regardless of their particular personal situations, all are of God and carry within them the spark of God that is life.  In loving others, we love God.  Loving God, we love what God has made.  Where does this lead us?  It leads us to look for ways that we can be helpful, caring, compassionate, and forgiving.  Living the life of Jesus, we call the world to be a better place.  May our love of God show through our lives.

Peace,

Pastor Braxton ><>