For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ, we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
Romans 12:3-5, The New International Version

One thing that everyone is looking for in this life is "belonging." We want to know we are valued, and loved, and have a place. Originally, God designed the family for this, yet due to sin, even in our families, we can experience rejection.

So God has designed a spiritual family that He calls His body. In this body, everyone has a place to rest and to serve. We have a place we can call home. I am sure you have had the experience of meeting another Christian on the job or on another occasion and instantly had a bond with them due to this mystical connection we all share in the body of Christ.

In these past months, there has been a slogan, "We are all in this together." This is never more true than in our experience as members one to another in His body. Along with this reality comes a responsibility. As we are cared for, we care. As we are prayed for, we pray. As we are served, we in turn serve with our time, talents, and treasure.

Let's remember, we are mutually one with each other. Let's love, encourage, and pray for each other as we fully embrace the Lord's vision for spiritual family.

Here are our action plans today:

Consider how your role as a member of Christ's body can be lived out more fully.
Consider how you can express unconditional, positive, regard to the people around you. Realize that God's love for you has a mission to pass through you to others.
Prepare for the Sabbath. Take some time to rest, disconnect from your normal routine, and spend some time loving your family and friends.

Love, Pastor Stuart