Piet's Page August 6, 2006

Torn ligaments
Ephesians 4:1-16

On the surface, it would appear that these folks offer nothing at all in the way of “gifts”, the word the Apostle Paul uses to describe the contribution each makes to the family of God. Why, some of these people are on “welfare”, a term which for some rates as a virtual expletive. Others of the flock get by on part-time, minimum wage jobs, scraping out a living in a land of plenty. The majority of these lambs of God cannot read or write. A few reside in ‘care’ facilities, where they’re seldom if ever visited by family or friends, and are brought to Sunday worship by the church van. You’ve probably heard some of the labels assigned to these folks – you know, white trash, misfits, outcasts, fools, users, street people – I can go on and on, but you get the drift.

Paul states in his letter to Ephesus: But each of us was given grace according to the measure of Christ’s gift. (Eph.4:7) Each of us. Not some of us, but each of us. So then, one might ask, how does that apply when we come face to face with those described above? In case you’re wondering, I’m describing a real group of people, a ‘flock’ to which I ministered for two years. I was their pastor, I was their ‘shepherd’ if you will. So ask yourself – what would you have the church do with such “trash”? And what are the gifts which they bring to the table of the Lord, and to the family of God on earth? While you’re at it, ask yourself: what would I do, or more to the point, what should I do in relating to and even speaking about these, my neighbors?

I wish I could offer simple answers to these challenges, but I cannot. Being together in ministry with those ‘outcasts’ was an important part of my own faith journey, and I learned a great deal. These special lambs of God are resilient, tough, survivors of our earthly battles, people who relate strongly to one another, great cooks, great helpers, joyful and even hopeful. And, many are persons of great, unquestioning faith, which is more than I can say for myself at times. They taught me so much, and helped me to come to a very different, and I hope expanded understanding of this: But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in love. (Eph. 4:15-16). This will not hold up if the body has misfits, or trash. Like having torn ligaments. It’s our responsibility to speak the truth in love, and in so doing keep the whole body joined and knit together. The whole body - right?

- Pastor Piet -
August 6, 2006