| John 13:35 – “All people will know that you are my followers if you love each another..” |
God gave us the church. We can develop a distaste for it. Maybe we say it’s full of hypocrites. Or it gets in the way of our pastimes. Or it involves wearing clothing that gives us discomfort, (shoes that hurt our feet or a tie around our neck.)
I like to see it as a herd of sheep. Church elders are referred to as shepherds, and charged with guarding the flock. As a sheep, I like being in the vicinity of others like me, and under the watchful eye of the Good Shepherd. And the sheep dogs keep us in tight for protection.
As I have grown older, church is no longer something I dread or feel guilty if I am not there. Now it is like being called to the dinner table. Something that makes me salivate with anticipation. A gathering of so many people I have grown to love dearly.
My wife and I were greeters at the north entrance today. I have been at this church for a long time, so I know most everyone. I make it my business to know everyone. We need to look after each other, to watch the other guy’s back. We need to check on each other, to keep our eyes wide open. To care. I read this verse recently. “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” I have some loving to do. Father in heaven, help us to be the church that You intended, in Jesus’ name, Amen!
– Jeff Beall
