FROM THE PASTOR
September 17, 2017
Have you noticed how impatient the world seems to be lately? This reality really came to light as I was traveling over to Paw Paw Lake near Coloma on Friday morning before dawn on I-94. I was pulling the boat trailer along on cruise at about 70 MPH and each time I came upon a semi I would pass. Inevitably, before I got around it a vehicle would catch up with me and ride my tail within a few feet of the end of the trailer. I guess they thought if they pushed a little I would go faster. In every case I would move over as quickly as I could once at a safe distance from the semi. And off they would hurriedly go.
The sad part is that it’s happening everywhere. Everyone is rushing to get somewhere fast to a place most don’t even want to be at in the first place. Medicines for ulcers and acid reflux are on the rise. Road rage is a real threat on the highways. And yes, its best that those of us who want to go slower should just move over and let others madly go their way. And again, yes, I understand, it’s your right to be where you are… but right doesn’t sanction rudeness. And if you are a Christian, living in harmony, especially with other Christians, is commanded.
The church at Ephesus must have had an issue with patience because Paul wrote this to them…
Ephesians 4:1-3 (NASB)
1 Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called,
2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love,
3 being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
In fact, Paul reemphasized this to the church in Colossi…
Colossians 3:12-14 (NASB)
12 So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;
13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.
14 Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.
No option… no conditional clause… just walking worthy of being a Christ Follower… representing our Savior, all the time, in every situation.
Romans 12:18 (NASB)
18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.
Sometimes it’s just easier to move over and live in peace.
Thank You for your faithfulness! Pastor Larry
