Come Together Church

​It’s Time to Come Together
What’s wrong with America today? That could make for a long disagreeable discussion. As I watch the news (perhaps a mistake) and read various viewpoints it’s easy to get confused. Everyone seems to have an opinion. Regarding politics it is difficult at times to see the other side. I’m not planning on sharing my views in the column because frankly they are my views and you may not even be interested. I do want to share some principles from the Bible, which could help us with our differences.
In 1991 a black man named Rodney King’s beating during his arrest by the LAPD was filmed and broadcast by news media around the world. This triggered the Los Angeles riots of that era. A quote became famous from Rodney King, “Why can’t we all just get along?” That is a very good question. While some may think they have all the answers I honestly don’t think anyone but God knows. In our families, our churches and our society we must learn to prioritize what is most important. I’m not talking about our preferences but instead those things that are genuinely going to bring us together.
I’ve had a great deal of time to think and meditate the past three weeks as my wife has been ill with COVID-19 which caused us to quarantine. She is getting better every day even though she spent six days in the hospital with pneumonia, God is gracious and is indeed the Great Physician. After she went into the hospital I tested positive as well. Thankfully I’ve been completely asymptomatic, haven’t been ill at all. I’ve discovered what it means to be cared for as well as to be judged. Nobody should ever be blamed for contracting the virus, NOBODY. While this experience has been difficult, especially seeing my wife suffer, I have learned a few things.
We need to look out for each other. These past weeks would have been much more difficult without a loving, caring church family taking care of their pastor and his wife. Thank you Calvary Baptist. We have the greatest family of believers and I’m so thankful for that. The necessary ingredient is love and kindness. In our churches and society as a whole we need to look out for each other.
We need to come together again. Church on the couch just doesn’t compare with gathering with the body of believers on a consistent basis. I realize there are risks and that the church is not a physical building but the people need to be together. Maybe it’s time for you to get back to in person church? I certainly know that I’m ready to gather with the saints and be back behind the sacred desk October 18th. Hebrews 9:25 exhorts us “not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.”
We need to place faith before fear. I read an interesting quote on this topic. “You can’t be afraid to put out a fire if you are a fire fighter. You can’t be afraid to be a police officer and carry a gun if you are afraid to get up and go out there. So you’ve got to put your fear aside and go out in faith to overcome that fear.” This reminds me of the verse in II Timothy 1:7 “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love and a sound mind.” Ask God to help you to wisely turn your fear into faith. There are significant dangers and we should take appropriate precautions.
Finally we must depend on God to bring us together. A popular song from the sixties, said it well, “What the world needs now is love sweet love, that’s the only thing that there’s just too little of.” Psalms 85:9 & 10, “Surely HIS salvation is near those who fear HIM, that glory may dwell in our land. Steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other.” We need love, compassion and mercy to come together. Then we will all be able to win in a troubled and divided world.
May God bless you with peace and protection. Look for ways to show compassion. Be a giver and not a taker, one who loves, not one who hates. Pray for me and I’ll pray for you. We can choose to be better rather than being bitter. AMEN!