THE HEART OF CHRIST

Jesus will always be of one direction. That direction will always be, in my opinion, the main challenge to members of the church. The direction? People.

Christians have an uncanny ability to live in acceptable deceit; not just deceiving others but self. Being in the church has its moments for every size, mood, and tenure. The deceit is that we are about the business of the church while staying as far away as possible from people in need. We may pray and we may give, but contact is out of the question. The prayers and the givers are important facets. They cannot, though, be provided as hiding places to keep from expressing the Life of Christ among the community. The one challenge which crosses all generational as well as doctrinal boundaries is the actual coming into contact with the messy, unruly, needy of our communities.

It is one thing to decide as a board of directors whether to send money or support ministry to a needy and worthwile camp. It is quite another to roll up sleeves and serve at the homeless shelter or give a ride to the stranded.

I've had my moments in both camps; the deeply involved and the excusively removed. Jesus lived not in but one camp; highly and intensely connected in both word and deed. Until the church grows in gracious relationship with those less fortunate....personally one member at a time...we are in great danger of being a social club with a self-consoling name over the door. May we continue to strive for the accurate doctrine of Christ who was continually going home with or welcoming strangers into his circle. I am most proud of any of us when such is the experience.

The heart of Christ is not a philosophy nor a discussion topic. It is hand clasping another's hand while offering genuine hope.