Community...

The hot topic in our church right now is community. The goal is to really achieve it. We're not a club or a social organization, but a church, and churches are supposed to be, er, uh... something different.

When we enter into church seeking social activity (some call it fellowship), forget that we are also just joints that need to supply something. In a human body, there are no secrets, so the needs are known throughout the body. The body does not judge the toe for having a blister, or condemn the nose for running. What does the human body do when there is an infection? Various members of the body react in order to correct the problem and restore the infected part. Some of us even suffer what doctors call "referred pain".

So, how come we look at the wounded people in the midst of our church bodies and avoid them because they have flaws? **Don't tell me that you've never done this.**

Have we made church into a substitute for Christ instead of the Bride of Christ? Bride??? Yes, the Bride - a living, breathing organism which is capable of sustaining her health through organ systems and various other body parts, as well as being madly in love with her Husband. He could ask anything of her and she would gladly fulfill His desire, knowing Him well and being well known by Him.

One Sunday, someone danced on a sacred cow. Months of prayer and preparation have gone into preparing the dance steps. The cow was suspicious and tried to hold back its hosts, but was mostly unsuccessful. The cow <<>> was exposed and those who are being held captive will have the opportunity to be freed from the spiritual starvation that its control invokes.

So - what's your secret? Has depression left you starving for God's love? He's inviting you to a barbeque and dance. Come as you are. Dance music and beef provided. At church - His sanctuary. Make it a safe place. A community of love is waiting to happen.