Preach the Gospel at all Times; Use Words if Necessary

Today’s message was written by Guest Pastor, Chaplin Bob Griffiths.

I love this saying, attributed to Saint Francis because the challenge of my life lies not what I profess as a Christian, but in what I practice. They’re usually pretty much in sync in ministry, but not so much in the little stuff of everyday life. So if you want to see how I practice what I profess, take a ride with me in my car, live with me in my house, and go with me to a condo board meeting. That’s where the “love thy neighbor” commandment rubber hits the real-world road. That’s where I encounter the petty stuff that irks me. ME! That’s my ego, the thing that always gets in the way of God. There’s a saying that “ego” stands for “ease God out.” 

A wise man once told me, “Bob, I don’t have to like everyone but I do have to love them.” Indeed! We are all children of God and loved by God. So do I love or help someone by reacting negatively to them? By giving in to the temptation of self-righteous anger? By insisting on having the last word? Or can I try to be an example for them? 

Can I model God through a thoughtful response rather than a knee-jerk reaction? And how would I want to be treated if the situation were reversed? Jesus tells us, “You will know them by their fruits.” 

Is my tree displaying the fruits of God or the fruits of Bob? I still work at this. And I expect I’ll be working at it for the rest of my life. 

Let us pray: Merciful God, You love me beyond my comprehension – the same way You love all those who cross my path. Help me to show forth Your love not only with my lips, but in my life: in thought, word, and deed. Thank You for your patience with my human failings and Your forgiveness of them. Help me to do the same for others, that I may pay forward all the love, forgiveness, grace, and mercy You have blessed me with. Amen.