Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Be the Church...Even in New Mexico

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Well, if this subjective estimation of New Mexico is true, I suppose I'm in the right state. I am by nature shy, an introvert, and a downright loner. New Mexico, by this confession, is just right for me. I fit right in by not being the least bit interested in fitting in.

But Church, is this what I am supposed to be? Is this what the Church in New Mexico is supposed to be?

No.

"Day by day...they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart" (Acts 2:46). We are called to be one Body (Romans 12:5; 1 Corinthians 10:10; 12:12,13,20; Ephesians 4:4; Colossians 3:15) and to take joy in it!

I discipline myself to engage others in the congregation, to have conversations, to attend our congregation's social opportunities. It is not natural to me, but in Christ I am not to lean on my own natural tendencies. I am to love. 1 John, in fact, says that this love is a sure sign that I am a true believer and know the love of God in Christ Jesus. I'm not perfect at this thing of actively engaging you, I know. I need to be prodded at times. It is something about which I regularly pray. But God has said this is what His people do, and I desire above all things to live as He has commanded me to live - it is for my good and His glory.

Our State, arguably, may have "anti-social" as the least pleasant thing about the Land of Enchantment, but the Church in New Mexico is not to be the Church of New Mexico. We are the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ, and He has called us to unity and love in Himself.

Even in New Mexico.

Loving you guys,
Pastor Michael