January 26, 2013

Colossians 3:12-17   ¹² Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. ¹³ Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. ¹⁴ And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

¹⁵ Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. ¹⁶ Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. ¹⁷ And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Just found the solution to declining church attendance, church membership and low incident rates of people accepting Christ as personal Lord and Savior!  No more studies are needed.  "Bring a Friend" campaigns unnecessary.  

If our churches and individuals would become the chosen people outlined in today's reading, we would need multiple services each week, folding chairs along the walls and additional clerical staff to send out all the "Glad You Were Here" letters each week.

Who would not want to be a part of an organization whose members were compassionate, kind, humble, gentle and patient?  Loving, forgiving and thankful.  What a great place to be!

Perhaps we are somewhat this way to members of our church, denomination or sect, but do we practice these same qualities toward those who worship a different God, worship in a different way, or deny God altogether?  Or are the images below how the world views the Christian church's outreach and message?