Have you ever misread someone?
Have you ever made a judgement about someone only to discover later (if you are being honest) you were wrong! Years ago, I was planting a church and struck up a conversation with a new family that visited with us. As a church planter, people were the focus and having more of them was the means of survival! However, I was not 5 minutes into this conversation, and I began to think, “I don’t think I like this guy that much”. Of course, that was the conversation going on in my head while I was still verbally engaged with him. Fast forward a few weeks and they were still at the church and now looking to join a Bible study small group. My wife and I were about to begin one, but I made sure that they were “assigned” to a different group. Fast forward a year and they were some of our best friends. We had them over to the house many times, at their house often, and stayed connected even after we moved to another ministry. He and I met often for movie nights, sports, and conversations.
I had completely misread him. I allowed the perceived tone of his voice, the questions he asked, and even body language in that initial conversation, to paint a picture in my head that was totally inaccurate.
Sadly, many of us do that on a regular, maybe even daily basis. We make quick judgements about people based on a variety of reasons, but the result is same…we build a wall separating us from them! Walls that can separate believers with non-believers…and walls that can separate believers with believers! Neither are good…neither glorify God. We were reminded this past weekend from Pastor George, “we love to build walls [from our personal preferences] but God loves to tear them down!” The gospel calls us to unity with believers and to be “bridge-builders” with others for the sake of the gospel
Is there someone that you have a “judgement” about that may not be completely accurate? It was through subsequent conversations [intentional effort] that I was able to tear down the wall I initially built with the friend. Have you allowed a “wall” to be built between you and someone different than you…between you and someone like you? Jesus tore down the wall that so all may experience the gospel. Would you consider your relationships, your perspectives, and your attitudes towards those in and around you today and, through intentional effort, start removing the bricks! Who knows that you may not only gain a friend for life but for all of eternity!
May you Live Sent today!
Summer kick-off for families - Grab your lightsabers and avoid any imperial blockades on your way to a Star Wars themed night of free food, inflatables, games, face painting, and even a Jedi Academy for the kids. Located at the Field and Pavilion, this event will introduce our community to a summer filled with activities for families of preschoolers, children, and students. Lots of volunteers are needed!
In this training, we will discover the ways in which we can serve “in Jesus’ name” during this unprecedented experience. Two additional training events will be held (June 15, July 5) but you only need to attend one. Click the link to sign up: