A couple of months ago, I started a new job; actually 2 new jobs.  I serve a wonderful congregation and get to work with people who are passionate about mission.  In fact, several have spent several days in Houston, Texas after helping with Hurricane Harvey recovery efforts.  In my other job, I serve as chaplain of our Mississippi Methodist Children’s Home and there I get to work with staff who are passionate about the remarkable young people we serve both in residence and in foster care.  I am truly blessed to serve God both in mission and with young people.

Last night, my heart was overflowing for many reasons.  Our mission team was completing their work and preparing to return home.  I am anxiously waiting to hear all about their work: the physical work completed but more than that, to hear how God touched them in the midst of that work and the hope they offered each and every day to those who are hurting and grieving great losses.

Last night at MCH, our Bishop and cabinet, our board of directors and committee members, our staff, and our youth enjoyed a wonderful meal and worshiped together.  What a powerful testimony of the Holy Spirit working within each one of us as we played a silly game, broke bread together, and got to know one another better.  Bishop Swanson preached a Word during Chapel and the Holy Spirit used that Word to work within each of us.

Last night reminded me of some things that I KNOW (even if sometimes I temporarily forget them).

We are all one in Christ.    

Now before faith came, we were imprisoned and guarded under the law until faith would be revealed.  Therefore the law was our disciplinarian until Christ came, so that we might be justified by faith.  But now that faith has come, we are no longer subject to a disciplinarian, for in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith.  As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.  There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.  And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s offspring,^[k] heirs according to the promise.                        Galatians 3: 23-29

We are fearfully and wonderfully made.

For it was you who formed my inward parts;
    you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
    Wonderful are your works; that I know very well.                  Psalm 139:13-14

The world is full of darkness and people who will try to tear you down; who will try to make you feel worthless so they can feel better about themselves.  But as followers of Christ we are called to let our Lights shine for others to see.  Don’t hide your Light because if you do, others will not see the love of God living within you.

 “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid.  No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.     Matthew 5:14-16

If I am letting my Light shine in my words, actions, and life, and you are letting your light shine in your words, actions, and life something will happen.  We will fill in the gaps between us instead of trying to find ways to over take one another – to hurt one another.  We will find ways to be together rather than tearing each other apart.  And we will create something beautiful much like these candles that stood independently as they began to reveal their light.  As they continued to burn, the light got brighter and the walls of the candles began to break down.  Did you catch that?  The walls began to melt away and the wax began to fill in the gaps between the flames creating a thing of beauty.

So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.  Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth,  for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.  When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory.

 As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.  Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.  Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.  And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful.  Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God.  And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.                                                                                                                                                                   Colossians 3:1–4, 12-17

Chris Tomlin released the song “How Great is Our God” in 2004, and in 2012 he released a new edition where portions of the lyrics are sung in several different languages: Hindi, Indonesian, Russian, Spanish, Portuguese, Zulu, Afrikaans and Mandarin.  Tomlin’s song, one of the most popular worship songs ever, 8 years later became this beautiful song breaking down the walls separating us by incorporating languages from all across the globe.  This song says to the people of the world that you are precious and you are loved.  You are a part of the body of Christ.  

I don’t know about you, but I think I’d like to be a part of something beautiful today, tomorrow, and the rest of my life.  The world will make it tough to accomplish.  But watching the kids and the adults last night testify to the diversity of this world and the Light of Christ within us, I was reminded for the first time in a while, how Love can really heal us, unify us, and make us One.

Peace, Terry