Who Is My Brother?

I think, perhaps, I caught the same another sermon yesterday from the same parish that I happened to catch on Thursday that was preaching on evangelism. He was preaching on the church and the disconnect between one who hates his brother and the kingdom of God. (And of course, now I can't remember the verse he was preaching from).

However, he expounded on how people within the church treat each other. As I continued to reflect on this yesterday and this morning, I was thinking about the interchange between our being the light of the world and the church's treatment of other believers.

Indeed, it can be a difficult balance at times, but then again, it probably shouldn't be that way. I understand life happens. We all have struggles and difficult places and for sure, there are personality differences and things we don't understand about those around us.

Just ask about the relationship between a parent and child or management and staff.

We often talk about how people behave one way in church, as if they have their act together and then display anything other than Christianity for the remainder of the week. Sadly, though I don't know how often this happens, something on the opposite side can take place too. We can display niceties, compassion and love to those around us, but then dismiss fellow believers through our attitudes and conversations.  Thus, it raises another flag of inconsistency to the world.

Why would I want to be part of a church that doesn't display Christ to the world except Sunday?
Why would I want to be part of a church that doesn't display Christ to each other except Sunday?

We learn from family. How the family operates is how one operates when they enter the world. So if the basic element is unhealthy or dysfunctional, so will the larger environment when that element enters the picture.

The examples are too numerous to miss this truth.
You can't love your neighbor while hating your brother. Whether a relative by human blood or related by the blood of Jesus Christ, we need to be the light to everyone in the room.

Pray, this #communitySaturday, may we reflect Christ to a world that needs to know Him, to a world who needs to become more like Him. In times of confusion and conflict, may the people of God be a voice of reason and clarity; that God would help us to live as people of righteous and truth. Not that we are perfect or have it all together, but that we are daily being transformed into the image of Christ as God works in our hearts and lives. May we do better to love our brothers and sisters in Christ; that we may edify and encourage the church as they endure their struggles and battles. May we do better to be a light to those in our lives living in darkness; who've yet to hear the illuminating power of what Jesus Christ accomplished that eternal life may be available to all who hear it. May our lives speak it; before a word is spoken.

A light to the world.
Both inside the four walls of the church
And outside to those who've never been a part of the family of God.
Healthy and functional;
Giving to others what we have experienced for ourselves.
For the glory of God.
And the advancement of the Gospel of Christ.

- PNC

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