A Taste of Heaven
Philippians 2:1-4
Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
One of the things I love most about the uniqueness of our church family is how incredibly diverse we are at Community Bible Fellowship. Cultural, racial, political, and economic diversity is only the beginning of what makes our local church family unique. When people ask me what our church is like, I usually say, it’s “A taste of heaven”.
Being the father of a multiracial family, I’ve personally been blessed by hearing insight by black men and women in our church family, who understand things about three of my four children that I can’t understand through mutual experience. We adopted Isaac, Thomas and Alexia while serving for six years as missionaries in Uganda, then soon after we returned to the US, we found out that we would also have a child the old fashion way and Tessa was added to the Shorack family. The blessings we have received from are unique and loving family are endless. Yes, we have challenges we go through together as a family as every family does, but God has truly blessed us with four incredible children who love Jesus.
Today, I have been praying more than usual because we will finish voting today. The road to November 3rd has been extremely divided. I’ve been shocked by how angry and bitter our country has been and how little grace we have shown those we disagree with politically. One of the things I’ve been so thankful for is how united our church family has been even though we are so diverse. The only reason for this is Jesus Christ being our hope, peace and joy. I pray that more of America experiences real Godly love that unites all believers into one family whose identity isn’t cultural, racial or political, but our identity and our hope is in Christ Jesus.
As we prepare for the challenges we will face in the next few months, I would like you to ask yourself one question. Is better to be right or loving? I don’t always know what’s right politically, but I know what God’s word says about loving other as Christ loves us.
Corinthians 13:4-8a
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails.
Matthew 5:43-48
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Let’s look for ways we can bring healing to our community. At home, at work and at church, let’s be committed to a Kingdom culture. Remember, our King is the King of kings and the Lord of lords. Let’s also commit to praying for healed relationships. Remember, no matter who wins in our election, our hope is in Jesus Christ alone.
