ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
August 30, 2022
Sunday’s sermon probably received more feedback than any sermon I have ever done, and none of it was negative. Very few clergy can say such a thing. Yet 75% of the feedback has been in regard to my opening illustration about toothpaste, specifically how to get the last little bit from the tube. Folks have been offering their own insights and funny stories about toothpaste. To be honest, I love it! The illustration was intended to make an easy entry into the tough topic, but it did put on display my rather odd sense of humor. But again, the folks of CCCC got it and people enjoyed playing along in their emails and text messages. In 1st Thessalonians 4, Paul celebrates the love the community has for all of God’s family throughout Macedonia, but then he urges them to continue to stretch. It was probably a bit less complicated to encourage his readers to extend their capacity to love when they were already doing an excellent job. It doesn’t feel as if Paul needed to do Love 101 with these folks (had to with other churches). I’m proud of Cypress Creek Christian Church and how they show love quite well. It doesn’t mean we stop stretching in those areas where we might have unknowingly placed limits on the limitless love of God, but when the foundation is solid, the stretching comes easier. The toothpaste discussion is only an example of a joyful and playful community with less and less time for hate, judgement and negativity.
For the beauty of a community continuing to reach into the limitless nature of your love, O God, I give thanks. May the joy we share with one another provide us both peace and courage to push all boundaries placed on your love. Amen.
