Erika talked about leadership as something more than the outward trappings of prestige and must be deeper. We must set an example worthy of what Jesus gives us. We must never use what we know about Jesus as a tool for our own ends and our own rewards. The love of God is meant to stretch us all and we are all accountable. Erika talked of her own struggles with power within the church. We are meant to have more and see more. She hopes for and lives for more in the church- maybe she has even found in it here in Saint James.
May 11, 2008
May 4, 2008
Saint James: the Anti Labels Church
Today James talked about how this was a difficult story to preach on because it is so seemingly small and it would appear there is no record of it being preached on. I asked him in the middle of the week what he was going to preach on and he knew it was going to be on labels but wasn’t sure what else. Without going into the laundry list of labels that each of us face everyday, James reminds us this week not to put Jesus in a box.
Jesus as Lord- In our societies we view ourselves as our own lords. We have difficulty being subjected to authority.
Jesus as savior- Do we always recognize that we need a savior? Some days we think we are good enough on our own, even worthy without the sacrifice of a savior.
Jesus as Healer- Do we really trust that He can heal us? What happens when the healing we desire doesn’t come into being. You can find healing spiritually and in your life even when you don’t find it physically.
James reminded us that each of us is a unique picture of a Jesus follower. We can defy labels to see Jesus in all people in the world and in ourselves. That is the challenge we are all given this week and always.
Labels cannot capture all that God is. Labels do not capture all that we are. I hope that you will take the opportunity to look at the labels you have put on Jesus and others that prevent you from experiencing the fullness of God’s love in the world.