Being politically active in the UK, I often receive Facebook or Twitter updates from numerous activist organisations etc. This weekend I was sent a message with a picture of UK Prime Minister David Cameron on it, criticising his policies on those on benefits, with the famous quote about how our democracies are judged by the way we treat the least.
Regardless of our political affiliations, as Christians, God has alot to say to us about the way we treat the least in society, and in church. In James, we are warned not to show favouritism toward those with wealth and influence, and the Lord also talks about using the small and weak things of the world to shame those who think themselves strong.
In Psalm 84, the psalmist writes about the blessings of dwelling in God's house, and that even the sparrow has found a home where she may bring her young chicks. But Jesus says in Matthew that we are worth more than the sparrows, meaning that the house of God, and more importantly, the blessings that come with belonging to a community, are not reserved for the powerful, but for ALL.
As we seek to build church, either in our local communities, or on CC or other virtual platforms, we must always remember, as God does, the least. Many of us on CC are the outcast, outside the mainstream church, and we must never forget the grace that God extends to us. Remember the debt collector that is rebuked for being umerciful? He is cast out for not showing the mercy extended to him. And although God uses the small things to shame others, He does not leave us there. He expects us to go on to greater things by His grace and power, through the Holy Spirit in us, through community, and through believing His word.
Let us not forget, that without Him, we are nothing.
Regardless of our political affiliations, as Christians, God has alot to say to us about the way we treat the least in society, and in church. In James, we are warned not to show favouritism toward those with wealth and influence, and the Lord also talks about using the small and weak things of the world to shame those who think themselves strong.
In Psalm 84, the psalmist writes about the blessings of dwelling in God's house, and that even the sparrow has found a home where she may bring her young chicks. But Jesus says in Matthew that we are worth more than the sparrows, meaning that the house of God, and more importantly, the blessings that come with belonging to a community, are not reserved for the powerful, but for ALL.
As we seek to build church, either in our local communities, or on CC or other virtual platforms, we must always remember, as God does, the least. Many of us on CC are the outcast, outside the mainstream church, and we must never forget the grace that God extends to us. Remember the debt collector that is rebuked for being umerciful? He is cast out for not showing the mercy extended to him. And although God uses the small things to shame others, He does not leave us there. He expects us to go on to greater things by His grace and power, through the Holy Spirit in us, through community, and through believing His word.
Let us not forget, that without Him, we are nothing.