Scripture: James 2:18
But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I by my works will show you my faith.
Thought for the Day: Many of you have seen the news story about the church in New Hartford, New York, where two boys were beaten during a “spiritual counseling session.” One of the boys has died and the other is in serious condition. The church is Word of Life Christian Church. Of course, we are a member church of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and most of our congregations are named: First Christian Church or Cypress Creek Christian Church or The Woodlands Christian Church or Something Christian Church. Let me make it very clear – this congregation in Hartford has NO relationship to our denomination or tradition. It is frustrating to find myself needing to clarify that we didn’t have some rogue church who committed a horrific act, but how many others outside our church will simply make an assumption. Both Christianity and other religions deal with this often. It is tough when you spend a significant amount of your time defending what you are not instead of being what you are. I apologize for what will sound very judgmental, but there will always be idiots and fools who claim to be Christian (or whatever religion), yet their actions do not represent the foundational beliefs and values of the faith. Let’s seek the Spirit’s assistance when it comes to our frustration, and then carry on so that others clearly see our faith through the works we do.
Prayer: Help your church, Lord God, to portray the image you called us to portray — an image of love that is welcoming, healing and transformative. Amen.
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