Last week our church considered Galatians 5:25-6:3. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. 6:1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. 2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
As I read, meditated, studied, and preached through this text, I was often wondering how many pastors may perceive this text as they think about the church they are in front of Sunday after Sunday. Most assuredly I am not the only pastor who can read a passage of Scripture like this with a sincere sense of joy in my heart as I think of the people to whom I am preaching. Yet, I asked myself the question, “I wonder if other pastors have the same joy I have about this Scripture?”
Our church has been developing a culture of discipleship whereby we can come alongside each other to help each other in our times of need. This is often through practical help such as a meal, a practical helping hand, a hospital visit, money and resources, and just an encouraging word. I have also witnessed a confrontation in love. I have seen admission of sin and a sincere request to help in repentance. I have watched our church family come around each other in so many situations. Perhaps it is because I am a new(ish) pastor that I have never really so intimately realized the beauty of the church as we reflect our Savior together. Even so, I have heard of far too many instances of pastors walking into churches and finding division and battling on every ground where there is disunity and selfishness.
So, what do I say to our church? Well, I have to acknowledge something first. This is God’s church and all that is happening is a direct result of his sovereignty and kindness to his people. I also have to acknowledge that God works through the obedience and worship of his people. I therefore acknowledge this on two grounds. God is so gracious toward us in his leading and I am so thankful to our God for our church family in the way we are growing through obedience in the attributes of a Spirit-filled togetherness that we see in Galatians 6:1-3.
I can also say that I am thankful for a family of God’s people who seek to show a selfless love and humble spirit – a people who recognize that our next sin is just around the corner and cannot point a condemning finger at others – a people who come for help when sin is overwhelming – and a people who jump generously when one of us is in trouble.
Can you join me in thanking God for our church? I hope you can. We are not perfect, and we are not there, but I can see desire and growth in us as we live out the law of Christ. What a joy it is to be a pastor of this family. What a privilege. Thank you!