As we travel
around I always enjoy finding out where people are from. Today our communities
are filled with families from "somewhere else". The Local or the
Transplant. These differences can be a source of contention based on your view.
Families who have raised their children in the same location for generations
may look with doubt at people that move into their neighborhood, considering
them outsiders. On the other-hand a family moving into a new town may view the
locals as backwards and unmotivated to change or experience different cultures.
In either case both views are distorted and without merit. Brad Paisley newest
album titled Wheelhouse has a new song called Southern Comfort Zone; in my
opinion I think this should be the anthem of every church. One of my favorite
lines from the song is; “…I can see the ways that I’ve grown, I can’t see this
world unless I go, outside my Southern Comfort Zone.”
These are challenging
economic times and many families have to do whatever it takes to make it and
pay their bills. Do you ever feel uncertain about people you know at work or
associate with because of their position, lifestyle or religion? We put up our
guard when we don’t understand something or if someone is much different from
what we know as “normal”. Family can be difficult to deal with at times but
they are “family” and you love them anyway.
Gods love
for us goes beyond race, gender, family ties and even personalities. Recently I
was listening to a speaker talk about the book of Jude in the New Testament.
The writer of the book of Jude begins by saying, “I wanted to express my excitement
on our common faith and salvation”, but instead he changes gears and goes on to
say, “I must challenge you to fight for the faith that gives us eternal life.”
That’s my take on it. One thing is for sure we are all unique people with
different personalities and attitudes. Near the end of Jude our writer
encourages the people of to stand in the faith of Christ, don’t get caught up
in the distractions of the world, show this kindness even to people who doubt
Gods word.
We are all sinners.
The one thing that will separate us from God is our own stubbornness. The God
that made the heavens, the earth, you and me, isn’t just for those who go to
church on Sunday; sometimes they are the ones who mess things up. He wants the
best for you. God loves each and every one of us and wants you and me to have a
relationship with Him. Gods’ son, Jesus Christ, came to bridge the gap between
a holy God and us here on earth.
Have you
ever been blamed for something you didn’t do? You will do everything it takes
to prove your innocence. With Christ at the center of our lives we stand
blameless in Gods sight. That relationship simply requires that we take our
agenda and replace it with Gods plan for our life. We can’t get to God any
other way, being a nice guy won’t do it, not by helping other people; or trying
to save the planet, none of those good deeds will get us any closer to heaven. Simply
believe Jesus Christ is Gods son. Ask Christ into your life right now by
admitting you are a sinner, next ask Christ to take up first place in your life
and let him lead your desires and motives.
I know it ain’t easy to change but if you will
get around other men and women like you that love God, they can encourage you
in a way that makes sense and in a way you can understand. You will begin to
see your life in a whole new light. God wants to know you, just as you are,
invite Him in, you will enjoy the company.
