Seeking His Life to Revive the Church
Seek God….for God to Unite His People
Recently an elderly woman requested help, from the church body, with moving. She was moving from a second floor apartment (with an elevator) to a third floor apartment without an elevator. Every piece of her furniture felt like a lead bar was hidden in it by the time we had finished. I am happy to report that nearly every man in church showed up and helped her move. It was a lot of work but we had a great time joking with each other during and after that move. I've always said that if you ever want to know how many people really love you, invite them to help you move. The ones that show up, really love you. That statement is not meant to be cynical but, it is the essence of love. Love is a choice and many times a sacrifice. Love is sacrificing your time, your energy, your money and a kind word with those you love, with strangers, and even with that special someone who annoys you.
As I grow older and hopefully wiser it becomes more and more clear as to how simple the Gospel really is. It's all about love. Jesus broke it down when he answered the Pharisee's lawyer's question of what is the greatest commandment. Jesus simply answered, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
Two things I've learned about loving others is, you really end up loving people you sacrifice for; and God doesn't grow your love for others through the prayer: "Oh God, help me love others", he grows your love for others when you're obedient to his commandment to love others.
Michael Parsons
Oakhill Jackson Community
