It’s Good to Be Home

Today’s Reading:  John 13-15, Proverbs 14

Guest Blogger:  Connie Swain

Even with the morning sun bright and shining, it was cold, and the wind was harsh.  As everyone began to come into church, the lights were low and the atmosphere electric.  But today, as I looked around I realized it was all home-folk. Not many visitors. Must be too cold. 

While everyone was worshiping, you could see that almost everyone was dressed casual, but warm.  Our church is not a formal church, but today even those who usually dressed up, were in jeans and sweaters.  The worship team was playing, the lights were turned down and all the holiday decorations twinkled as if it were candlelight.  There was a warmth, closeness and coziness, almost like we were in Mom’s living room, having a lively conversation.  There was a sense of joy with an underlying tone of change. 

Then it happened.  The whole atmosphere was full of love – a love unexplainable, like Dad had just walked in with an approval of the entire scene.  You know, like the moment when you are sitting around, having fun with friends or family, and you realize just how loved you are and how much you love everyone else.  That was what it felt like.

John 15:12-17 tells us “This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you.  This is the very best way to love.  Put your life on the line for your friends.  You are my friends when you do the things I command you.  I’m no longer calling you servants because servants don’t understand what their master is thinking and planning.  No, I’ve named you friends because I’ve let you in on everything I’ve heard from the Father.  You didn’t choose me, remember; I chose you, and put you in the world to bear fruit, fruit that won’t spoil.  As fruit bearers, whatever you ask the Father in relation to me, he gives you.  But remember the root command; Love one another.”  MSG

For a family to truly be family, they have to love each other, just like Jesus commanded.  As I read this passage, I’m reminded that in families with servants, the servants do not sit and gather with the family.  They are usually in another room, waiting to serve.  They are working, not engaging and enjoying the benefits of the family. 

However, Jesus chose us and calls us His friends.  He’s given us his plans and thoughts, and He expects us to bear fruit, but even in the midst of all the things we are to do for him, the most important thing we can do is LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Today, too many families are estranged.  Many people are alone and don’t even have families or close friends.  Still in other families, when they do come together, anger or rage rules and the time together becomes strained and frustrating.  This is especially true during times of change and stress.

Looking across our worship center, we have 3 signs on the wall that you can’t miss.  “Dream Big, Grow Strong, and Change Everything” remind us of the vision of our church.  While these are great goals, we often don’t think of what is involved behind these words, especially the last.  Our church is going through some major changes, the kind that Change Everything. 

Pastor Greg is moving to Delivering Africa and the Executive Pastor, Pastor James, is stepping into place as the leader of this church.  This is the type of situation that would send many churches reeling, causing division and other forms of strife.  However, in our church, we are still worshiping together, loving one another.  Just like a family.

When a family dynamic changes, a sure sign of a healthy family is the ability to adjust and continue on with what needs to be done.  That is what we are seeing at The River.  Even in the midst of such a major change, we are adjusting and continuing on.  We are still coming together on cold Sunday mornings, we are still worshiping, we are still praying for each other, we are still honoring each other and most importantly, we are still loving each other. 

I loved the feeling of home that day.  I loved that we could come together and worship, like family, knowing we have a heavenly Father, standing in the doorway, overlooking the interaction, and approving of His kids.  What a wonderful feeling that is.  It’s good to be home.