I wonder what it must have been like to have experienced firsthand being
in close proximity to Jesus and being one of the handful of believers
who were a part of the early Church? From reading the book of Acts, it
appeared that the first-century Christians knew what it meant to be in
real community with
one another. They
seemed to relate with a depth and commitment that made the metaphor
"body of Christ" a perfect description for the Church. On the day of
Pentecost when the Holy Spirit was sent, I think Jesus had something
much greater in mind than the Body of Christ mistaking community for
friendliness, courtesy, or sociability. Jesus made his marching orders
very clear for His followers. He said, "love each other, just as I have
loved you." (John 13:34) Truth told, I have all kinds of reasons why I
don't love others as Christ has loved me. I might get used and have to
give up some of my time. I might have to get too invested in the life
of someone else; and let's be honest, that would take too much attention
away from what's most important to me......me, my family, my job, my
leisure time. It might be dangerous and cost me too much emotionally,
financially, and physically. I struggle with all these excuses in
practicing the command to love
one another. Jesus Christ loves us and wants us to love and serve
one another.
Mission trips are one way I have been stretched to live out Christ's
marching orders. As we leave for Uganda, I pray that the Holy Spirit
will be poured out on us so that indeed, our African brothers and
sisters will know we are Christians
by our love.
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