Choices and Challenges

Tracee and I returned from our vacation this week. Refreshed, renewed, and mildly depressed to no longer be reveling in the beauty of the beach and the freedom of its sunrises, sunsets, waves and wind. As we awakened this morning and began our "reentry" it was wonderful to do it among the Open Door Life Community. Huge thanks to both Ken and Tim for teaching in the past two weeks. I continue to be encouraged by the strength and depth of our class in showing both knowledge and love for one another.

NEWS:
Keep the Ackerman family in your prayers as Adam is in the hospital after suffering a bad fall and concussion.

CALL TO ACTION!
Invite friends and family to join us on Sunday morning. It is up to you as we each have our role to play.
Sign up and encourage your entire family to participate in and help with THE CLINIC. You can make a difference. This is a great full family opportunity.

THE LESSON

The lessons of today centered on our choices and challenges. Paul speaks to us of compassion and love for our fellow men and women in spite of very rational decisions. It is simply not enough to be right. We must embrace those around us and demonstrate love. Inclusionary, sacrificial love trumps intellectual, legally grounded correctness even when the decision is based on deep seated theological principles.

The choice of "who gives in" is up to each of us. We make it within a life community, and we are never alone. We are on mission, commanded to demonstrate the humility and hospitality of Christ to our world.

What have you done to build "love up" your neighbors lately?

Have you embraced intellectual knowledge, depending on your own ability, or do you strive to let go and just love?

I know how I sound, a bit like a 21st century idealist seeking a bit more than I can handle with my simplistic words. Perhaps that is the truth. Isn't it great that God can make up the difference for each of us if we remember to ask. Love the Lord your God first and then love your neighbors and you might be surprised at how we can manage challenges together.

Passage of study for today:
1 Corinthians 8:1-13 The Message