August 5, 2010

Unity

The group that went down to Mexico in mid-July had such a radical experience in the way that each and every person that went became so linked to one another. Our group was unified in our mission to serve the people in San Quintin. We acted as one unit, one body of Christ. This uniting of brothers and sisters has spurred our church’s next study. Pastor Josh is now teaching on the 12 chapter of 1 Corinthians…

There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.

We all came together in “the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God” (Epehsians 4:13). It was a beautiful experience to be a part of a larger group of believers, all working in unison toward a common goal.

I have been thinking on this for awhile and so today as I went on to the second message from Biana Juarez on chapter 2 of the book of James, I was graced with the memories from Mexico. One of the biggest reasons that I was so nervous to go on the trip was my fear of the people there. I had no idea how they were going to treat us. I was expecting them to treat us with contempt over our economic standing. It didn’t occur to me that we were actually going to serve a church, a body of fellow believers! So as Biana was reading from James 2, relating the story of the two men entering the assembly, one wearing fine clothes and the other a poor man, I was instantly reminded of Mexico. These two men are judged on their outward appearance. It doesn’t even mention whether or not the finely dressed man was rich, that is an assumption based on his attire. When I got to Mexico I was so greeted in a way that outward appearance was not an issue.

The people were so happy that we were there to share in their lives and partake in daily living with them. They were so happy to praise the same Lord, in the same church, breathing the same air!

Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?

James 2:5

God resists the proud, giving grace to the humble. I am no longer proud. I want to be humble. My outlook on life has so changed. I feel as though by going to Mexico, I came falsely pieced together, became broken, and God is slowly building me back up to be used for His glory!

I am excited for our church! Our group was unified in Mexico, but it is not going to end there. We have brought our vision back to unify our church at home. Uniting them under our same vision. The poor in spirit are among us.

I am enduring radical change. Is God transforming you? Are you reaching out to others in ways that you never thought would ever happen? Are you treating others as if Jesus was physically among us now? Status does not matter. Looks do not matter. We are all one in Christ. We have been given grace by being loved by God even though we do not deserve it… Who do you know that needs love? We should look upon each other as God does… we have all been redeemed by His blood, “saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).