Lazy Days and Thoughts on Community

Today was a really laid back day. We did a lot, but it wasn't like we were rushed for time. In fact, I have no idea what time it is. We went through 2 time changes and then we had Day Light Savings and I'm all kinds of confused, but it doesn't really matter since I don't really pay much attention to time anyway.

We went to Wilson Creek Winery today and did some wine samplin'. I sniffed and swirled like a professional, I think. I'm really uneducated when it comes to wine, but I got a free wine glass out of the deal!

So last night we were driving back from getting the world's largest sushi boat from Hana and I was watching the houses along the road. We're on a military base so all the people here are either serving or are family of someone serving. What I saw was people with common ground gathering around dinner tables, hanging out in garages, having community. There's like some unspoken bond that everyone just kinda understands. Why don't Christ followers function like that?

We all have the common ground of of being sinners, of being shown grace, and being redeemed by Jesus Christ, but it seems like none of us can get along because of denominational rifts. I'm not just talking about people within my background, but all denominations of people who acknowledge that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. In my 21 years of church going, I have yet to hear a church admit that they have flaws in their religion, but they do. We all have holes in what we believe and we will continue to be that way until we can learn to learn from each other.

The military branches have some rivalry, yes, but when the war comes they're all fighting towards the same goal. Just think of what it would be like if the Army hated the Navy and the Marines didn't agree with the Air Force. Then why can't the Pentecostals break bread with the Christians and the Methodists pray with the Church of Christ? We are all members of one body. Each with its own purpose and gift.

Romans 12 ::

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary:
"If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

... Just some thoughts.