When I was a young preacher, long on zeal and short on experience, the Lord arranged through circumstances too detailed to talk about now, for me to meet another seasoned Pastor. He lovingly accepted me - for who I was. He took me under his wing. For a year, David and I rubbed shoulders, exchanged ideas, and my life was changed in a big way. I don't remember a single sermon he preached, but I remember our time together; talks over a table at the coffee shop. It's just one chapter in my life, but the effect of that year in 1977 is evident in my life to this day.
The Bible says "to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it." (Ephesians 4:7, NIV) Christ calls us to know Him and gives us the gift of the Spirit, but not just to enrich us individually! The passage from which that phrase comes is all about the importance of being part of the Church. The Spirit urges us to "keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit." Individually blessed with a spiritual gift, we are called into the church, the 'ekklesia,' God's gathering.
Do you think of the Church community only functionally, only about doing the work of God together? Ephesians 4, quoted above, says that every Christian fits into God's Church and that the Holy Spirit gives each one a way to make a unique contribution to the work of God, but this goes way beyond 'function!' In the Church, you are valuable, not only for 'what you do.' Even more important is 'who you are!' Your very presence among the people of the Lord will most certainly have an effect on those with whom you rub shoulders. Only together can we make Christ known, shining as bright lights in a dark world!
Eugene Petersen, a pastor of many years, best known for his work in bringing us the Bible translation - The Message - writes about the way we best influence those around for God and good. "Jesus didn't drop pearls (of wisdom) around Galilee for people as clues to find their way to God. ... He ate meals with them. And you can do what Jesus did." (The Pastor: A Memoir, HarperCollins, 2011) We think we change the life of another with by correcting or instructing. Really, we lead by loving!
Are you connected? Petersen asks, "Is it possible to live in this increasingly inhospitable world in a hospitable way? Is it possible to do something focused and intentional about what is wrong in our society without turning the wrong-doers into the enemy?" (ibid) His answer; gather people at the table for a meal and invite them to the table of Christ!
Here is a word from the Word. I hope we will take it seriously and get intentional about rubbing shoulders, eating dinner, as we are God's people. "Don't forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!" (Hebrews 13:2, NLT)
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