Say YES to Church Family!
Today, we dive into the essence of what it means to be part of a church family.
Personal Experiences and Summer Jobs
Let me share a personal story about my son. He has a summer job this year, and it’s exciting because he can drive himself. This reminds me of my own summer jobs, which were quite varied. I’ve worked as a census enumerator, juvenile detention officer, and even in a computer company that faced federal indictments. However, one of my most memorable jobs was working at Dollar Rent-a-Car in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
During my time there, I was part of the international reservation center. I had to memorize every airport code in the United States, a skill that surprisingly stuck with me. The job was unique because I interacted with people from all over the country, and it was fascinating to hear their accents and stories.
Learning from Experiences
One memorable call was from a New Yorker who was confused about our company’s name. He expected to rent a car for a dollar, not realizing that the name "Dollar Rent a Car" referred to us, not the price. This experience led me to reflect on how sometimes people expect something from us based solely on our name or label.
This brings us back to the essence of our faith. Just as that caller questioned our pricing, the world often questions what it means to be a Christian. Is it just a label, or does it reflect our actions? Paul’s letter to the Galatians emphasizes that our identity as part of God’s family is validated by how we live and love others.
The Commandment of Love
Jesus provided a new commandment in John 13:34-35, urging us to love one another as He loved us. This love is the hallmark of our faith. It’s not about how much we know or the symbols we wear; it’s about our actions. Our love for others proves to the world who we are as disciples.
Learning to Love Others
However, loving others, especially those who are different from us, is not natural. My instinct is often to gravitate towards those who share similar backgrounds and beliefs. But Jesus calls us to extend that love beyond our comfort zone. This is where the church comes into play as a learning environment.
The Church as a Learning Laboratory
The church serves as a laboratory where we can practice loving those who are different from us. We are all adopted into this family, chosen by God, which means we have a place and purpose here. Unfortunately, societal messages often suggest that we must have our lives in order before we can belong. We must counteract this narrative and show that everyone is welcome, regardless of their past or present circumstances.
Welcoming Everyone
At Coffee Creek, we embrace the belief that no perfect people are allowed here. Everyone is welcome to be part of this family. We create spaces where people feel included and valued, regardless of their backgrounds or struggles. This is essential in our mission as a church.
Understanding Our Identity in Christ
In Galatians chapter four, Paul writes about how God sent His Son to redeem us from the law so that we could be adopted as His children. This adoption means we have rights to the inheritance of everything God has. Understanding this identity is crucial for our self-worth and interactions with others.
Living as a Family
Being part of a family means that we may not always get along, but we remain family nonetheless. This idea transcends bloodlines and socioeconomic status. We come together in love and acceptance, realizing that we are all in this together.
The Power of Generosity
Generosity is a vital aspect of our church community. It allows us to witness the impact of our contributions directly. When we give, we see the results in our community, from the joy on children’s faces at camp to the projects that benefit those in need.
Commitment to Service
As we move forward, I challenge you to embrace a 90-day commitment. Say yes to welcoming outsiders into our community, volunteer your time, and be generous. By doing so, you will experience the joy of seeing lives transformed and understand the purpose behind our mission at Coffee Creek.
Conclusion
I encourage you to commit to this journey of love and service. Let’s create a welcoming environment where everyone can feel they belong. Together, as partners, we can achieve great things and demonstrate the love of Christ to the world around us.
