Seriously, we're already 1/12 the way through 2012....that kinda makes me sad. There has yet to even be a Winter in San Antonio. Ah well, life goes on (true statement). So it's been since early December since the last personal blog and I felt like it was time to say something again. Honestly, right now in my life, I can't think of anything more exciting than community. Not the TV show (not that there's anything wrong with that), but the real, genuine, community that occurs when believers get together for no other reason but to love on each other and be loved on with the grace of God.
Look people, if you don't have a community like this, you are seriously missing out on God's blessing. We're designed to live out this idea of community. It's engrained in the very scriptures that we (believers of Christ) hold so dear. In our small group that meets on Monday nights we've been thumbing through and digging into the book of Romans. Near the end, Paul says, "For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; ..." (Rom. 12:3-13 ESV)
I've come to realize in this genuine community that God has so graciously provided that there are so many gifts that have been brought to the table for so many reasons, all for the glory of God. Watching those gifts be utilized has been intense. More than anything, it's encouraging to see God's hands and feet at work in and around our lives in San Antonio.
I would like to profess my gratitude and appreciation for all those who strive to live lives of genuine community, founded in the authentic love of Christ, with the humility to put others first, all for the glory of God. It truly is that simple: Love God. Love people. I just had a great conversation with a gentlemen who is part of a non-profit college ministry in College Station, Tx. We were discussing at one point the difference it makes in the lives of the people around us when they experience genuine love. "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love." 1 Jn 4:4-8 (NASB)
You see, to live a life of love....true love....God-fearing, all-loving, unconditional love...is to truly be Christ to the world in which we live. People who don't KNOW God don't KNOW love. (see last scripture reference) Think about how incredible the feeling to first experience true love. Not the garbage we "think" love is from television and media...but the real stuff. How life-altering is it to experience this type of love? I'll tell you how. Think about the people Jesus came in contact with...like the disciples. "Come, follow me." When living, breathing love calls to you...you have no choice but to be overwhelmed, drop what your doing, and answer. Our calling (believers) is to be this type of community overflowing with this type of love, all for the purpose of blowing the minds of those who have yet to meet this Love. I am a part of this community. No, I'm not perfect, but I get stronger every day because of the hands and feet that surround me. Community. It's a good thing.
Love you people,
CHAD ><>
