Identifying our Biggest 'Need' Right Now!

Over the last 24 hours, I've been thinking of a great deal about what we need these days. No matter the subject; sports, politics, pandemics, finances, church, church families, families, et cetera. There's no shortage of opinion in any quarter about what we need. Yes, it is true that in many ways, there is a great deal we need these days. Depending on what and when it is, we are discussing matters of need.

For example, this morning, I had the chance to tour the Riverbend area of West Monroe, where 33 homes are in various States of damage or demolition. In a situation like that, there are many, many needs, not all of which are obvious at first blush. There is a strong need, not only for short term cleanup, but longterm restoration and rebuilding that needs to also occur. However, I think the need that I think we would be wise to examine today is not a physical need, but a spiritual need. Continuing in the third chapter of Colossians we explored yesterday, today's word from verses 12 through 17 speak truth to our entire life. And are some needs that when we truly embrace them will transform every bit of our lives; personal, professional, societal. I could go on and on.

Let's find a little bit more as we hear from Colossians 3:12-17. I'll be reading out of the Common English translation.

"Therefore, as God's choice, holy and beloved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Be tolerant with each other and, if someone has a complaint against anyone, forgive each other. As the Lord forgave you, so also forgive each other. And over all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. The peace of Christ must control your hearts—a peace into which you were called in one body. And be thankful people. The word of Christ must live in you richly. Teach and warn each other with all wisdom by singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing to God with gratitude in your hearts. Whatever you do, whether in speech or action, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus and give thanks to God the Father through him."

Just a few quick hits from today's reading. Notice the first thing, Paul is writing to a specific people when he talks about being God's choice. People who have, through Christ, been made Holy and loved. If we are to take on the identity of being a Christian, we must, we must realize not only our desperate need for compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, but also live out that calling and service to and with our neighbors. Otherwise, why are we calling ourselves Christian? Another need Paul calls out is the need for forgiveness. Our call is to forgive others. We cannot, nor we must not be people who hold grudges. Otherwise, what does that say about our faith? Now, as a disclaimer, I am not saying forgiveness means you have no choice, but to stay in an abusive situation. Forgiveness is a matter of the heart and the soul, and must never be used as a weapon to keep someone in an abusive environment.

Another thing to look at is what about this need for our hearts to be as God intense? Can we say when we list needs that we list our need for our hearts to be controlled by God's peace? If we're honest, how often is our heart controlled by some sort of ideological purity or some wrong done to us or perceived slight that has been a part of our lives? Can we honestly, when we look at ourselves, can we say that it is the peace of God and Christ that controls our hearts? His last commendation in this passage is one I think would truly transform everything. Can those of us who take on the identity of being Christ followers say that everything we say or do is in the name of the Lord, Jesus Christ?

How would our lives change if we had to begin or end every sentence in action with, in the name of Jesus? How would that change how we talk about those with whom we disagree? How would it change how we think of others? How would it change how we think of ourselves? How would it change how we interact with our friends and our families, our coworkers? Think about that. Can we say, in the name of Jesus, to start or end our sentences and our actions? And if not, maybe that's a way we can, not only during this time, but in all time, make the world a better place.

And closing, let me say this, that sometimes, the simplest is the easiest to digest, but the hardest to implement. Let us find us a way to get through not only the current situation, but all of life. Let us find ourselves living out the charge we have been given to live in a way that is full of grace, peace, mercy, love, forgiveness, and gratitude. That, I promise you, that is the biggest need that we all have to and from each other, now and always. And before you think it's not possible, let us remember that God himself, fully human and fully divine, modeled this for us and the life of Jesus.