Working Both Sides of the Tracks

Romans 3:23 ESV

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

This morning I had an opportunity to sit for about fifteen minutes as I waited for a train to go by. And as I sat there, I noticed a car on the other side of the tracks waiting as well. I wondered about the person waiting on the other side, where were they going and what were they thinking about as they waited?

As I sat in my truck and waited I went to God in prayer and reflection and thought about what he would have me say today. The Holy Spirit came over me and said, speak against division today, and emphasize unity. As I contemplated this thought, I pictured recent events that have brought disharmony to the world, and I also pictured how we as Christ’s people forget so quickly who we represent when we speak.

Fellow pastors and people of faith, when we take only one side of an issue we forget the hearts and souls of those on the other side of the issue. Recently I have witnessed on social media colleagues and followers of Christ come out on the side of Black Lives Matter or on the side of Law Enforcement.

This morning I have even witnessed colleagues revel in the downfall of a popular conservative minister as he steps out of the public eye to handle issues with alcohol and how it has affected his marriage and his ministry. 

Beloved, as people of the Cross, we cannot live on one side of the tracks while others suffer on the other side. Likewise we cannot abandon those that we disagree with.

Have you sided recently with those that protest or have you sided with those being protested? 

We must remember the scripture in the fact that all have fallen short of the glory of God. Am I pro protester or am I pro law enforcement? I am pro God, I am pro Jesus Christ, and I and pro Holy Spirit.

This day I claim the position of unity rather than division, I claim love over hate, I claim peace over violence and I claim heaven over hell. When we sit on our side of the tracks without thinking of those on the other side, we become divided. When we become divided the Devil revels, the Devil laughs, the Devil joys at the disunity of those that claim to be followers of God.

My friends just as Christ has made room at the table for all, we as His people must also make room in our lives for all people, just not those that we side with. This is not a Conservative or Liberal position it is the position of one who believes that we should love others as Christ loves us, as Christ loves the church.

Next time you are stuck waiting for a train, ask yourselves about the person waiting on the other side of the tracks, and ask yourself that they are as much in need of the love and grace of Jesus Christ as you are? 
Please, think before you speak and take time to listen for the Holy Spirit’s word for your life.

I finish my blog with the prayer that the people prayed at my Ordination as a Shepherd of Christ. Please read the bold underlined words and pray about them today.

We confess that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God and proclaim him Lord and Savior of the world.

In Christ’s name and by his grace, we accept our mission of witness and service to all people.

We rejoice in God, Maker of heaven and earth, and in the covenant of love which binds us to God and one another.

Through baptism into Christ we enter into newness of life and are made one with the whole people of God.

In the communion of the Holy Spirit we are joined together in discipleship and in obedience to Christ. 

At the table of the Lord we celebrate with thanksgiving the saving acts and presence of Christ. 

Within the universal Church we receive the gift of ministry and the light of Scripture. 

In the bonds of Christian faith we yield ourselves to God, that we may serve the One who’s Kingdom has no end. Blessing, Glory and Honor be to God forever. Amen. 

This is the day that the Lord has made.

Pastor Tim.