Build Community 3

Deuteronomy 10:18-19

One of my worst experiences was when I first began working as an editor at a newspaper. It took me a while to learn the ropes and really become comfortable in what I was doing. But I felt the other editors were a bit snobbish and impatient with me. They had very little tolerance for my mistakes in those first few weeks.

I said nothing about it but applied myself even harder until I could at last do my job as well as they did. But I did think that it was unfair of those other editors. There must have been a time when they were new to the job. Didn’t they have to learn as they went too?

Deuteronomy has some instruction for the followers of God. What does God do? What are the faithful to do? What should the faithful remember?

It is very easy to look down on the people who are not devout Christians. We can consider the non-believer, the non-member to be ignorant and foolish. We may even think of them as somewhat corrupt and evil. We know the truth about holy living; why don’t they?

But before we get too comfortable in our smug attitude and self-righteous opinion, we must first remember that we are commanded by God to love the aliens – those people who are not part of our faith community. We are to care for the outsider – the stranger, the visitor – in the same way and for the same reason that God does. God welcomes the stranger. God loves the alien.

We must remember that the faith and knowledge we hold now has not always been with us. Some of us have come to Jesus later in life, turning away from a life of sin or at least a life of lukewarm faith. Some of us have been believers since birth but, honestly, has your faith always been as deep and strong as it is today?

We all have times of doubt. We all have times when our faith in God seems to wane or falter. Even if we think of ourselves as firm in our faith we certainly encounter times when living out the love of God is a frightening proposition.

We need to keep this in mind as we deal with the new believer or the visitor. Our faith community should not be a community of judgment and snobbery. We should be welcoming and loving to all, remembering that at one time or another we are all less than perfect.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What can remind you that you need to be more welcoming?

Build Community 1

1 John 1:3-4

When I was in college I was asked to be a date for my cousin’s friend for their prom – they both attended an all-girls school. On that date we went to a quaint Italian restaurant, one of those old-fashioned, family-run places that hadn’t changed in years. After we were married I took my wife to the same restaurant so she could experience the place. Years later I took my co-workers there for lunch so they could enjoy the restaurant.

I had a great time and good food on every occasion. It was fun to be able to share the experience – the food, the atmosphere, the kitschy décor – with those I cared about. Sharing good things can bring about a sense of community and joy.

The first letter from John, possibly one of the disciples, explains the reasons for writing to new believers. What is he proclaiming, or telling? Why does he do this? What is the benefit?

Clearly John has had an experience with Jesus Christ, whether he has had a first-hand, personal encounter with the Savior, or he is among the early believers who have heard the stories of Christ. Whatever the case, John is compelled to share his story. He wants others to know of the wonderful news that he has heard and he wants others to come to know who Jesus was and is.

One desire of his is that these new believers, those who will read his letter, will come into fellowship with John and the other believers. That fellowship not only includes John and others, it also is a fellowship with God, the Father, and with Jesus.

As each new person enters into this community that John hopes to build there will be joy. That joy is not just for John and not just for those who come to believe. That joy is for all who will celebrate the arrival of the new believer. And with that joy comes a sense of completeness, fullness, community.

We must be like John. We must desire to share the love and joy we know in our relationship with Jesus. We must desire to build a real community of believers, a complete collection of all who have come to know Christ. To do that we must share Jesus with others and welcome the new believer in true hospitality.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you invite someone into your community of faith?

Be Welcoming 4

Titus 1:7-8

Although a pastor I am still a human being and am often tempted to behave just as most others might behave. If I am in a hurry I get frustrated with those who are in my way and become an obstacle. If I get cut off in traffic I am tempted to respond in anger and call out a few inappropriate words.

But I am fortunate enough to have a sticker in the rear window of my car that reminds everyone that I am a member of the clergy. As I drive I can see the small sticker proclaiming “clergy” in my mirror, and it reminds me that I must behave in a disciplined and holy way.

This letter to Titus provides guidance for church leaders. What attributes should an overseer NOT have? What are the requirements of an overseer?

From the very beginning of the church the faithful have been concerned about presenting a right and appropriate behavior to those who are new to the faith. This behavior is not a façade or false front, concealing the true actions of a person. Rather, these attributes should be a true part of who that person is. Those in the faith are warned not to be dishonest, prone to drunkenness or quick-tempered.

Instead the faithful followers of Jesus should genuinely be those who love good. Believers should be holy in their actions and attitude, and part of that holiness is to be hospitable to the outsider.

Some will say that these restrictions and guides are for officers in the church – the pastor, the board of deacons, the elders, or the lay leaders. But in fact these requirements apply to us all.

We are all leaders in the church. We are all overseers in our own congregations. We are each responsible for living an honest and upright life, loving what is good, being self-controlled, holy and disciplined. And we should all be hospitable.

It is up to each of us as members of Christ’s body – the church – to be hospitable and welcoming to those who will come to visit our places of worship. We must be welcoming and warm, encouraging to those who are new to the faith.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What can remind you to be hospitable?