Gotta blame Chris from Journeys in Hearts and Minds for this one.
Alan Knox, kindly posted a blog entry pointing out at something I wrote not so long ago. Among those who commented was the aforementioned Chris.
He said something that really inspired me. It reminded me again that life together is better. It really is. Not only is it a case of life together in a nominal sense of sharing economic circumstances of church affiliations. It is a life that has been brilliantly entwined in such a way through the amazing love of Christ.
It is about the Master Entangler binding hearts and minds together in such a way that when one hurts we all feel it, and when one celebrates we are all elated.
So it’s a good sign of the opposition when we realise that life doesn’t always live up to that. Pressures to conform to financial and social norms means any quality time for fellowship is compressed and snatched at in those ‘service’ times. Broken relationships and past hurts also make it hard to be vulnerable enough to allow people in. Political and moral convictions quickly override the primary impulse to love in understanding, expressing compassion and seeking ground to relate.
That is why the work is a supernatural one. That is why we co-operate with the leading of the Spirit when we choose to be open and allow the Master Entangler to blend and mould us together. We co-operate with Jesus’ prayer for us to be one when we prefer a vital phone call with a brother, or a visit to a sister, a meal with a family and a social event with friends.
We are in line with the plan not just in having these times, but when these are intentional investments in each other. Even at the risk of being hurt, but done in the love of Christ who makes us one to experience our joy being full.
My delight is to steadily be on this journey to complete joy in the unity of the church. That is not a denominational, institutional, or doctrinal agenda. That’s one based on being loved so much, and giving a chance to share that love with others.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 