Colossians
3:12 ESV
Put
on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts,
kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.
Often ministers or whatever your tradition calls them
are the last to hear the good news. I often think that each family has on their
wall a box that says “In case of emergency break glass and seek out your pastor”!
How many of us think that your pastor wants to hear
your joys and celebrations as well as your hurts and sorrows? Sometimes
shepherds of religious flocks can only see the joy of their congregants in
social media posts and photos.
In his letter to the Colossians the Apostle Paul is
writing them as an instructional guide as well as writing words of
encouragement. Paul is telling the Colossians about what it means to be
part of the Body of Christ, and what it means to be community.
When we become part of a faith community it is much
more than a faith based group, it is actually becoming part of Christ’s body in
which all are called to a change in lifestyle. Likewise your pastor is much
more than someone to share confession with or seeking a conversion experience.
Beloved, your pastor wants to share with you all the
situations of your life. As much as they are here for you when you are in pain,
they are here to share God’s blessings and joy with you when your life is going
well, and blessings are abundant.
My
friends, God is present with us at all times in our lives. Romans 12: 14-16
tells us:
14 Bless those who persecute you. Bless and
do not curse. 15 Rejoice
with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but enjoy the
company of the lowly. Do not be conceited.
Being with people in all phases, situations, moods,
and changes in their lives not only speaks to our witness as follows of Christ,
it speaks to God’s forgiveness lived out in the lives of his created peoples. Likewise, seek out your pastors, and priests
in all the moments of your life. Let them not only see the sorrow and needs in
your life, let them see the joy that living your life for God has brought to
you and your family.
Understand that God is our joy and this joy has been revealed
through His Son Jesus Christ. Your
pastor weeps when you weep, but also joys when you joy. Just don’t use your
pastor by breaking the emergency biblical glass when all goes horribly wrong.
Your shepherd is here for you to share the good news. They are here to share
with you that God joys when you joy and wants to celebrate with you in
happiness as well.
The love of Christ and a good pastor are made for joyful and
happy situations as well.
This is the day that the Lord has made.
Pastor Tim.
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