As we finish up 1 Peter chapter one today, I would like to let you know that verse 22 caught my attention at the very outset of this sermon series. I don’t know why, but the vision of a community of people loving one another deeply from the heart made me pause and say, “What a beautiful thing. What a beautiful idea that people would gather together with genuine love; real love; and they would love one another deeply from the bottom of their hearts.” I don’t know if that picture grasps your imagination, but it grasps mine, and I don’t know about you, but it grasps mine because very, very few of our relationships in this day and age even come close to this kind of relationship.
You might wonder why I say that–especially those of you who are in a relationship with a significant other who you love and cherish; especially those of you who are parents who dote on your children and would die for them. Aren’t these relationships from the heart? In one sense, yes, but let’s delve a little bit deeper into what I think it means to love another person deeply from the heart.
Just what does it mean to love another person deeply from the heart? I think this: entering into a relationship with another person even if you know you will get nothing out of it. Think about that for just a moment. Loving another person deeply from the heart means that you knowingly love another person and support another person and care for the well being of another person without getting anything in return. I want you to think about that for just a second here, and I want you to think about the relationships you have in your life. I want you to think about the people you love. I want you to think about the friendships you have. I want you to think about the people you hang around, and I want you to be honest–blatantly honest with yourself. Do you receive something from these relationships?
I think, if you are brutally honest with yourself, you would answer yes. You would affirm that in every relationship you are a part of, you benefit in some fashion from that relationship. You get something out of that relationship. Theoretically, you receive love and affection from your spouse or significant other. You receive joy from watching your children grow and develop. You receive companionship, laughter, and a sense of camaraderie from your friendships. If you are in a business relationship, you receive money for your time or for your goods. If you are helping another person out, you receive joy and satisfaction that you helped someone in need. In just about every single relationship we have, we receive some sort of benefit. And here is the question: if you received absolutely no benefit what-so-ever from a relationship, would you still stay in it?
• If you received no love and affection from your significant other, would you stay with him or her?
• If you received no satisfaction from raising your children, would you continue to provide for them when they yelled and screamed at you?
• If your business partner paid you nothing for your time and efforts, would you stay at that job?
• If you paid for a product and the company refused to send what you paid for to you, would you order from them again?
• If you did not feel a sense of satisfaction from helping others in need, would you continue to do it?
• If your friends continuously kept taking advantage of you and your good nature, would you continue to hang around them?
Most of us, I think, would not continue in such relationships. Most of us would, at some point, realize that our love, our energy, our time, and our money is being thrown down a vacuum which literally sucks the life out of us. We would wake up to this realization and say to ourselves, “I don’t get anything out of this relationship. I am tired and worn out from giving and giving and giving and getting nothing in return. I am out of here!”
And yet, if we were truly loving others deeply from the heart, we would not exit such relationships. We would not walk away from those who take advantage of us. We would not turn away from abuse or neglect. We would stay even at great risk to ourselves. It’s terribly hard to really and truly love another deeply from the heart. In a very real way, we simply are not built to have this kind of love.
But there is One who indeed had this kind of love. There was One who implemented it at great cost to Himself. Today is Palm Sunday, and we are reminded of Jesus who came riding into Jerusalem triumphantly on the back of a donkey. The imagery is priceless as it hearkens back to the Old Testament prophecy that the Messiah would enter into Jerusalem riding upon a donkey. Those who were spreading their garments and laying palm branches knew this. They understood the imagery. They understood the prophesy. They were terribly excited given the burden of taxation and rule they had experienced under the Greeks and then the Romans. They knew of Jesus’ acts of power and might. They knew He claimed power and authority from God. It was only a matter of time before He would call down God’s mighty hand to deliver them from oppression. They would soon be free! It is no wonder they shouted “Hosanna!”
But I want to shift the perspective a little bit. I want to shift the perspective to Jesus’ perspective. The people believed they would benefit from Jesus’ arrival into Jerusalem, but I want to ask you this morning: what benefit would Jesus receive from His arrival into Jerusalem? What benefit would Jesus receive from engaging the crowds? What benefit was Jesus going to get from this whole ordeal? Think about this very, very hard. So often, when it comes to Christianity and the faith you and I espouse, we think about ourselves. We think about what God has done. We think about the resurrection. We think about it from our perspective and the benefits we receive. But now, at this moment, think about what benefits Jesus was going to get. Think about what benefits Jesus stood to receive by riding into Jerusalem into the heart of His enemies strength and power. Can you think of
any benefits to Jesus? Can you think of anything good that He is about to get?
You see, here’s what Jesus is about to receive:
• He will be betrayed by one of His closest followers.
• He will be deserted by all of His followers.
• His closest friend will deny he knew Jesus three times.
• He will be arrested.
• He will be tried in a kangaroo court.
• He will hear the crowd that proclaimed, “Hosanna” cry out, “Crucify Him!”
• He will be beaten.
• He will be forced to carry a cross.
• He will be forced to wear a crown of thorns.
• He will be bloodied and mocked.
• He will have nails driven through His ankles and wrists.
• He will hang and see His mother weeping.
• He will see soldiers gamble for His clothing.
• He will feel abandoned by His Father in heaven.
• He will feel the wrath of God descend upon Him as payment for the world’s sin.
• He will have a spear pierce His side.
• He will die.
This is what Jesus will receive. This is what Jesus will experience. This is what Jesus will get for being in a relationship with humankind. This is what God will receive from you and me. What benefit does Jesus get from being in a relationship with us? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. He gets nothing from us, but He gave everything for us.
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son so that everyone who believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world not to condemn the world but that the world may be saved through Him.
You see, Jesus loved you deeply from the heart. Jesus loved me deeply from the heart. Jesus loved the world deeply from the heart–when we gave Him nothing in return. He died for you when He received nothing from you. He died for me when He received nothing from me. When you contemplate this, you see just what kind of wondrous love Jesus has for us! It truly is wondrous. It truly is amazing.
And when you begin to understand this kind of love; when it begins to capture your heart; when you know that Jesus died for you when you didn’t deserve it, you begin to experience deep transformation. Your heart begins to change. You begin to look at others and think, “Jesus died for them. Jesus loves them, just like He loves me. Maybe I cannot love perfectly; deeply from the heart. Maybe I can’t enter into a relationship without receiving some sort of benefit. Maybe I can’t give completely and sacrificially with no thought of return, but I will give it my best shot. I will give it my best shot because Jesus gave me His. Jesus gave me everything. Jesus gave me Himself, and now I will strive to love another deeply from the heart.”
And here’s the marvelous thing. Imagine a community of people who understand what Jesus did for them. Imagine a community of people who understand that Jesus poured Himself out for them. Imagine they now pour themselves out into each other, but they never feel empty. They never feel taken advantage of. They never feel worn out or tired or upset that no one cares what they do? Why? Because, of a couple of things. First, they realize they have an unending source of love and fulfillment. They realize God, Jesus is still pouring Himself out for them. They do not worry about being taken advantage of because they continue to be in a relationship that sustains them. That’s the first point. The second point, I’d like to put it in these terms to illustrate: I as a pastor, empty myself into you, and you as a congregation empty yourself into me. We freely give to one another without thought of receiving anything, but we do so because we love one another deeply from the heart. And this doesn’t just happen between pastor and congregation: it happens between each of you as you walk with each other. We unceasingly fill one another with love and compassion. Can you imagine a community filled with such love? Can you imagine a community filled with such joy? Can you imagine a community so transformed because of what Jesus accomplished on our behalf? I can. And it’s beautiful. “Now that you have purified your souls by your obedience to the truth so that you have genuine mutual love, love one another deeply from the heart.”–because Jesus loved you deeply from His. Amen.
Showing posts with label Community. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Community. Show all posts
Monday, March 30, 2015
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
$50 Worth of Groceries
I drove my Ford Mustang GT into the apartment complex searching for apartment #34.
Moments before, I walked through the aisles of the local grocery store picking up food items for someone who requested assistance. The woman is a "regular" in asking for help from our congregation. I have had numerous conversations with her. She is in her mid-30's to mid-40's. I've never asked her her age. She is on dialysis, does not work, is on disability, and has applied for food stamps. I personally believe she perpetually tries to "work the system."
Perhaps we should cease and desist when it comes to helping her. Perhaps forcing her to do something else instead of the same things over and over again would be more appropriate, but I am struck by a couple of things--one practical, the other theological.
The practical: I have encountered a lot of people in my lifetime. When you work with people, you learn who the extremely intelligent people are, who the average folks are, and the folks who struggle with thinking through their decisions. The woman I was bringing groceries to falls squarely in that last category. Her intelligence level is not high in the least, and frankly, trying to get her to see anything beyond one day would be a very, very difficult task. She is functionally literate, I believe, but being able to manage money and time is almost beyond her capability. It's sad really, but true.
The theological: Every time I am faced with someone who "works the system," I return to Jesus' words in the Sermon on the Mount. I almost wish He wouldn't have spoken them. Then it would be a lot easier to just walk away from such situations. "Give to everyone who begs," the Master spoke. Hey, Jesus, do you realize there are those who play the system? Do you realize there are those who prey off the generosity of others? Do you realize there are those who are capable of working yet do not? Do you realize there are those willing to take as much as they can without so much as a pang of guilt? Didn't you see the story about those who are on the EBT cards who filled up their grocery carts with tons of food items when those cards showed they didn't have any sort of limit on them? I did, and I think it's blatantly wrong of people to do such things! Don't you care about such manipulation?
Perhaps He does. Perhaps He will take care of that judgment in His own good time, but at this time, I am bound by His Word and His Word alone: give to everyone who begs. And when it comes to food, Jesus' command is explicit. "When I was hungry, you fed me." When? "When you did it to the least of these, my brothers, you did it for me."
Yesterday, I received a call asking for food. It is our policy as a congregation to never hand cash directly to those who ask unless there are special circumstances. Therefore, I headed to the local grocery store to pick up a mess of groceries. I spent $50. Ten pounds of potatoes. Ten pounds of chicken leg quarters. Large bags of corn, green beans, and broccoli. Two loaves of bread. Peanut butter. Sugar-free jelly. (The woman is diabetic.) A bag of fruit. Cheese slices. Oatmeal. Eggs, rice, and beans.
I headed for her apartment.
I turned into the entrance, and the woman was on the balcony with a friend. She recognized my car, and walked down to meet me. She said her apartment was in another complex across the lot. She wanted to walk. I offered her a ride. She accepted. We talked for a few moments.
"I really need to move. My friend is moving because her water heater caught on fire. Mine did that not too long ago. Now, I have a water leak in my place and no one is fixing it. I keep mopping it up, but now, there's mold, and I keep waking up coughing."
We park. I pop the trunk, and she asks if she can help. I reply, "Yes, I can't carry it all." She grabs several bags. I get the rest.
We pass a gentleman smoking a cigarette on the patio. He lives in the apartment next to her. I notice a pot brim full of cigarette butts on this woman's patio. Details.
Her apartment is relatively clean but a bit cluttered. Older furniture. Few decorations. I can see where the water has been leaking. She is very thankful for the groceries. I tell her I didn't know exactly what to get and that I hoped the fare was o.k. She says, "I'm not picky in what I eat."
She thanks me again profusely and says, "Pray for me Pastor Kevin." Yeah, she knows me by name. No anonymity anymore. I tell her, "I do." In fact, this woman is on our prayer list.
I walk back to my car. I look around at the complex and see its run down condition. I look at the automobiles sitting around. These folks here do not resemble those stories you hear about folks who really "game the system." There are no Cadillac Escalades or souped up sports cars. All are in pretty poor condition with dents and scratches at the least and missing body parts at the worst. None are even close to being newer models.
I drive off and head back to my reality.
$50 worth of groceries can actually buy quite a bit these days--especially if it is for someone else.
It can buy you a trip into an entirely different world.
Moments before, I walked through the aisles of the local grocery store picking up food items for someone who requested assistance. The woman is a "regular" in asking for help from our congregation. I have had numerous conversations with her. She is in her mid-30's to mid-40's. I've never asked her her age. She is on dialysis, does not work, is on disability, and has applied for food stamps. I personally believe she perpetually tries to "work the system."
Perhaps we should cease and desist when it comes to helping her. Perhaps forcing her to do something else instead of the same things over and over again would be more appropriate, but I am struck by a couple of things--one practical, the other theological.
The practical: I have encountered a lot of people in my lifetime. When you work with people, you learn who the extremely intelligent people are, who the average folks are, and the folks who struggle with thinking through their decisions. The woman I was bringing groceries to falls squarely in that last category. Her intelligence level is not high in the least, and frankly, trying to get her to see anything beyond one day would be a very, very difficult task. She is functionally literate, I believe, but being able to manage money and time is almost beyond her capability. It's sad really, but true.
The theological: Every time I am faced with someone who "works the system," I return to Jesus' words in the Sermon on the Mount. I almost wish He wouldn't have spoken them. Then it would be a lot easier to just walk away from such situations. "Give to everyone who begs," the Master spoke. Hey, Jesus, do you realize there are those who play the system? Do you realize there are those who prey off the generosity of others? Do you realize there are those who are capable of working yet do not? Do you realize there are those willing to take as much as they can without so much as a pang of guilt? Didn't you see the story about those who are on the EBT cards who filled up their grocery carts with tons of food items when those cards showed they didn't have any sort of limit on them? I did, and I think it's blatantly wrong of people to do such things! Don't you care about such manipulation?
Perhaps He does. Perhaps He will take care of that judgment in His own good time, but at this time, I am bound by His Word and His Word alone: give to everyone who begs. And when it comes to food, Jesus' command is explicit. "When I was hungry, you fed me." When? "When you did it to the least of these, my brothers, you did it for me."
Yesterday, I received a call asking for food. It is our policy as a congregation to never hand cash directly to those who ask unless there are special circumstances. Therefore, I headed to the local grocery store to pick up a mess of groceries. I spent $50. Ten pounds of potatoes. Ten pounds of chicken leg quarters. Large bags of corn, green beans, and broccoli. Two loaves of bread. Peanut butter. Sugar-free jelly. (The woman is diabetic.) A bag of fruit. Cheese slices. Oatmeal. Eggs, rice, and beans.
I headed for her apartment.
I turned into the entrance, and the woman was on the balcony with a friend. She recognized my car, and walked down to meet me. She said her apartment was in another complex across the lot. She wanted to walk. I offered her a ride. She accepted. We talked for a few moments.
"I really need to move. My friend is moving because her water heater caught on fire. Mine did that not too long ago. Now, I have a water leak in my place and no one is fixing it. I keep mopping it up, but now, there's mold, and I keep waking up coughing."
We park. I pop the trunk, and she asks if she can help. I reply, "Yes, I can't carry it all." She grabs several bags. I get the rest.
We pass a gentleman smoking a cigarette on the patio. He lives in the apartment next to her. I notice a pot brim full of cigarette butts on this woman's patio. Details.
Her apartment is relatively clean but a bit cluttered. Older furniture. Few decorations. I can see where the water has been leaking. She is very thankful for the groceries. I tell her I didn't know exactly what to get and that I hoped the fare was o.k. She says, "I'm not picky in what I eat."
She thanks me again profusely and says, "Pray for me Pastor Kevin." Yeah, she knows me by name. No anonymity anymore. I tell her, "I do." In fact, this woman is on our prayer list.
I walk back to my car. I look around at the complex and see its run down condition. I look at the automobiles sitting around. These folks here do not resemble those stories you hear about folks who really "game the system." There are no Cadillac Escalades or souped up sports cars. All are in pretty poor condition with dents and scratches at the least and missing body parts at the worst. None are even close to being newer models.
I drive off and head back to my reality.
$50 worth of groceries can actually buy quite a bit these days--especially if it is for someone else.
It can buy you a trip into an entirely different world.
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Sometimes You Just Have to Smile
Yesterday as I headed to "a deserted place to pray," I stopped in to meet one of my new neighbors.
A family moved into a house a couple of blocks down about a month ago, and for one reason or another, I hadn't stopped in to welcome them to the neighborhood.
I introduced myself and talked to Johnny for the first time. His granddaughter was with him on the porch blowing bubbles. She was adorable.
I remarked to him, "Just down the road is a playground next to the church. If you want a place to take her to play, by all means, take her. That's what the place is for."
We continued to talk, and he expressed his desire to find some part-time work. I found out he does carpentry, painting, and other such things. I told him I'd keep an eye out and talk to a few folks around.
He asked what I did, and I replied, "I'm a pastor."
He said, "What else do you do to earn a living?"
Apparently, he's from a different denomination where pastors work at other jobs. Fortunately, I do not have to do that, so I told him, "That's it. I'm paid full time to be a pastor."
And then he said something very intriguing, "Yeah, an old man in a red truck came by and said that I was welcome to come to that church down there. He said everybody can come and everybody can worship. That's what that old man said."
And I said, "We'd love to have you."
A few more pleasantries were exchanged, and I climbed back into my car. As I reflected upon those few moments with Johnny, I thought about what he said about that "old man in the red truck." At least one of my congregation members had met this gentleman and invited him and his family to worship with us--even before I could make my way down there and invite him myself.
Sometimes, you just have to smile.
A family moved into a house a couple of blocks down about a month ago, and for one reason or another, I hadn't stopped in to welcome them to the neighborhood.
I introduced myself and talked to Johnny for the first time. His granddaughter was with him on the porch blowing bubbles. She was adorable.
I remarked to him, "Just down the road is a playground next to the church. If you want a place to take her to play, by all means, take her. That's what the place is for."
We continued to talk, and he expressed his desire to find some part-time work. I found out he does carpentry, painting, and other such things. I told him I'd keep an eye out and talk to a few folks around.
He asked what I did, and I replied, "I'm a pastor."
He said, "What else do you do to earn a living?"
Apparently, he's from a different denomination where pastors work at other jobs. Fortunately, I do not have to do that, so I told him, "That's it. I'm paid full time to be a pastor."
And then he said something very intriguing, "Yeah, an old man in a red truck came by and said that I was welcome to come to that church down there. He said everybody can come and everybody can worship. That's what that old man said."
And I said, "We'd love to have you."
A few more pleasantries were exchanged, and I climbed back into my car. As I reflected upon those few moments with Johnny, I thought about what he said about that "old man in the red truck." At least one of my congregation members had met this gentleman and invited him and his family to worship with us--even before I could make my way down there and invite him myself.
Sometimes, you just have to smile.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Awesome: Trinity Sunday Sermon
This past week, I had a text conversation about some church matters with one of our members. This member needed Sam to send something, but Sam was home sick. I have permission to share the following, so please allow me a moment to do this:
Me: Sure. I’ll have Sam send it tomorrow. I sent her home because she was sick.
Our member: No problem. I hope she feels better.
Me: Me too. Working without your secretary is like steering a boat without a rudder.
Our member: Awww, I am sure you do a great job. You are awesome.
Me: I am only as awesome as those I work and serve with.
Now, why would I say such a thing instead of blushing and offering a word of thanks? Why even say anything at all? Why not just let the comment stand alone since a response can either seem conceited or self-depreciating? Why tie this member’s thoughts about the job I do to the congregation as a whole? Why?
Because, I believe this whole Christianity thing is about individuals who live in relationship with one another.
Let’s talk a moment about the way a congregation works. All too often, our congregations are only focused upon the pastor and the job he or she does. But is this fair? I mean, don’t get me wrong, a pastor is very important to the life of a church. He or she serves as its spiritual leader.
If a pastor doesn’t have a solid relationship with God, can’t preach a decent sermon, and does not show kindness and compassion along with having a strong sense of doctrine, problems will arise. Effective pastors are essential to the health of a congregation.
But pastors can’t make a congregation thrive alone. I think you know this, but let me repeat it just so it sinks in: pastors can’t make a congregation thrive alone. I mean, what if a pastor preaches excellent sermons, shows kindness and compassion to everyone he or she meets, has a strong sense of doctrine and belief, and has a solid relationship with God–what if a pastor has all these traits, yet, his or her congregation continually bickers with each other, refuses to invite and welcome others into its midst, or refuses to give to support the ministries of the church or try to connect with the community and its needs? Do you think that congregation will thrive? Of course it won’t. The pastor and congregation must work together as a team in order for a church to thrive. This is why I said, "I am only as awesome as those I work with and serve." It’s about relationship.
But there is one more component to this whole dynamic. At this point, we have a pastor and a congregation. Is this enough? Is this alone enough to make a church thrive in this world? At this point, I will argue no. That might raise a few eyebrows, I am sure, but none the less, I believe I am correct. It is not enough for a church to thrive to have a good pastor and a good group of people. This relationship is not enough. Yes, you heard me correctly, this relationship is not enough.
For, you see, the Pastor and the congregation must be intimately connected to God. In order for a congregation to truly be effective in doing God’s work, in order for a pastor to be effective in doing God’s work, they each must be connected to Him. The relationship actually forms a triangle–a dance between three entities that work together to accomplish what needs to be done in spreading the good news of Jesus Christ to the world.
And how is that accomplished? Well, we have to move the points of the triangle a little bit. The pastor is now included into this entity that is called the congregation. There now exists a relationship between God and the congregation, but one more component is now added–the surrounding community. We bring people within the community into the relationship dance. The triangle continues and shifts. What I find interesting is how the relationships I am talking about need three entities.
God + the congregation + the pastor = a thriving church–relationship.
God + the congregation (including the pastor) + the community = fulfillment of the Great
Commission–relationship.
Relationship is at the core of the Christian message, and can anyone here see the mirror yet with the nature of God Himself? If you can’t, please let me attempt to show it to you.
Today is Trinity Sunday. It is the Sunday of the church calendar where we celebrate the nature of God. God is the Father. God is the Son. God is the Holy Spirit. Yet, these three do not make up three Gods but one God. Logically, this does not make any sense. Mathematically, it doesn’t make any sense. But relationally, it makes plenty of sense. Relationally, three are one and one is three. At the core of God is a relationship; a relationship that is so strong between the entities that they cannot be seen as separate.
And, here is an intriguing thought based upon a portion of our gospel text for today. Jesus says about the Spirit, "14He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 15All that the Father has is mine. For this reason I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you." The Spirit will glorify Jesus. But we know later that Jesus says He strives to glorify the Father. And we also know that the Father glorifies the Son.
In this relationship called the Trinity, all three parts continuously strive to glorify each other. Let’s put this into different terms. In this relationship called the Trinity, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit work diligently to make one another awesome. They love one another to the point that they strive diligently and with reckless abandon to build each other up in a glorious dance of eternal love.
Is it possible for us to do likewise?
We know that God loves us and wants us to be awesome.
We know God loves the community and wants it to be awesome.
Do pastors love their congregations and seek their awesomeness?
Do congregations love their pastors and seek their awesomeness?
Do congregations love their communities and seek their awesomeness?
And can you imagine what would happen if we set aside our own personal desires to implement those kinds of relationships in the world? What effect would that kind of love have in communities affected by disaster like in Oklahoma? What effect would that kind of love have with parents who have lost their children to tragedy? What kind of effect would that kind of love have with people who were striving to find their purpose in life? What kind of effect would that kind of love have on people who truly are seeking to know whether or not God existed? What kind of effect would that kind of love have on those who struggle with abusive relationships? What kind of effect would that kind of love have on the world?
Well, in a word, I guess it would be awesome. Amen.
Me: Sure. I’ll have Sam send it tomorrow. I sent her home because she was sick.
Our member: No problem. I hope she feels better.
Me: Me too. Working without your secretary is like steering a boat without a rudder.
Our member: Awww, I am sure you do a great job. You are awesome.
Me: I am only as awesome as those I work and serve with.
Now, why would I say such a thing instead of blushing and offering a word of thanks? Why even say anything at all? Why not just let the comment stand alone since a response can either seem conceited or self-depreciating? Why tie this member’s thoughts about the job I do to the congregation as a whole? Why?
Because, I believe this whole Christianity thing is about individuals who live in relationship with one another.
Let’s talk a moment about the way a congregation works. All too often, our congregations are only focused upon the pastor and the job he or she does. But is this fair? I mean, don’t get me wrong, a pastor is very important to the life of a church. He or she serves as its spiritual leader.
If a pastor doesn’t have a solid relationship with God, can’t preach a decent sermon, and does not show kindness and compassion along with having a strong sense of doctrine, problems will arise. Effective pastors are essential to the health of a congregation.
But pastors can’t make a congregation thrive alone. I think you know this, but let me repeat it just so it sinks in: pastors can’t make a congregation thrive alone. I mean, what if a pastor preaches excellent sermons, shows kindness and compassion to everyone he or she meets, has a strong sense of doctrine and belief, and has a solid relationship with God–what if a pastor has all these traits, yet, his or her congregation continually bickers with each other, refuses to invite and welcome others into its midst, or refuses to give to support the ministries of the church or try to connect with the community and its needs? Do you think that congregation will thrive? Of course it won’t. The pastor and congregation must work together as a team in order for a church to thrive. This is why I said, "I am only as awesome as those I work with and serve." It’s about relationship.
But there is one more component to this whole dynamic. At this point, we have a pastor and a congregation. Is this enough? Is this alone enough to make a church thrive in this world? At this point, I will argue no. That might raise a few eyebrows, I am sure, but none the less, I believe I am correct. It is not enough for a church to thrive to have a good pastor and a good group of people. This relationship is not enough. Yes, you heard me correctly, this relationship is not enough.
For, you see, the Pastor and the congregation must be intimately connected to God. In order for a congregation to truly be effective in doing God’s work, in order for a pastor to be effective in doing God’s work, they each must be connected to Him. The relationship actually forms a triangle–a dance between three entities that work together to accomplish what needs to be done in spreading the good news of Jesus Christ to the world.
And how is that accomplished? Well, we have to move the points of the triangle a little bit. The pastor is now included into this entity that is called the congregation. There now exists a relationship between God and the congregation, but one more component is now added–the surrounding community. We bring people within the community into the relationship dance. The triangle continues and shifts. What I find interesting is how the relationships I am talking about need three entities.
God + the congregation + the pastor = a thriving church–relationship.
God + the congregation (including the pastor) + the community = fulfillment of the Great
Commission–relationship.
Relationship is at the core of the Christian message, and can anyone here see the mirror yet with the nature of God Himself? If you can’t, please let me attempt to show it to you.
Today is Trinity Sunday. It is the Sunday of the church calendar where we celebrate the nature of God. God is the Father. God is the Son. God is the Holy Spirit. Yet, these three do not make up three Gods but one God. Logically, this does not make any sense. Mathematically, it doesn’t make any sense. But relationally, it makes plenty of sense. Relationally, three are one and one is three. At the core of God is a relationship; a relationship that is so strong between the entities that they cannot be seen as separate.
And, here is an intriguing thought based upon a portion of our gospel text for today. Jesus says about the Spirit, "14He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 15All that the Father has is mine. For this reason I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you." The Spirit will glorify Jesus. But we know later that Jesus says He strives to glorify the Father. And we also know that the Father glorifies the Son.
In this relationship called the Trinity, all three parts continuously strive to glorify each other. Let’s put this into different terms. In this relationship called the Trinity, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit work diligently to make one another awesome. They love one another to the point that they strive diligently and with reckless abandon to build each other up in a glorious dance of eternal love.
Is it possible for us to do likewise?
We know that God loves us and wants us to be awesome.
We know God loves the community and wants it to be awesome.
Do pastors love their congregations and seek their awesomeness?
Do congregations love their pastors and seek their awesomeness?
Do congregations love their communities and seek their awesomeness?
And can you imagine what would happen if we set aside our own personal desires to implement those kinds of relationships in the world? What effect would that kind of love have in communities affected by disaster like in Oklahoma? What effect would that kind of love have with parents who have lost their children to tragedy? What kind of effect would that kind of love have with people who were striving to find their purpose in life? What kind of effect would that kind of love have on people who truly are seeking to know whether or not God existed? What kind of effect would that kind of love have on those who struggle with abusive relationships? What kind of effect would that kind of love have on the world?
Well, in a word, I guess it would be awesome. Amen.
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