Midweek: What Does a Resurrection Life Look Like?

We pulled into the parking lot on a beautiful Sunday morning. Sadly, there were plenty of spaces from which to choose. Not only has the world lost interest in the things of God, but it almost seems as though folks who call themselves Christians have as well. Plenty of things to distract on a beautiful Sunday morning, apparently. (But that's for another day.) Anyway, Vulnerability was standing out front. Vulnerability is the man whose personal life is far from perfect. He has his demons, as do even those who deny it. Nevertheless, he is sticking close. When he doesn't know how to stay close to Jesus, he stays close to the church or our pastor. Vulnerability places himself at the mercy of those who know Jesus personally because he wants to know Jesus, too, and he is brutally honest about his shortcomings.

As I entered the building, Struggle with Joy was seated just inside the door. Struggle with Joy has some pretty serious health issues, but I've never seen it get the best of him. He grieves when those with whom he shares twice-weekly treatments do not survive. He cares for those who care for him and is a champion of anyone he calls "Friend". His innocence and infectious smile belie his challenges.

Courtesy greeted me with a smile and stepped to the side of the narrow hall, giving me preference. I have to admit, there have been times I've wondered why Courtesy is there. He doesn't always need; he doesn't always give. Sometimes he engages in polite conversation during our time of greeting; other times he's fast asleep. But he is indeed a part of our church family, and it is our privilege to count him as such.  

Just past Courtesy was Care and Sacrifice. What a wonderful couple they make! The one so eager and inquisitive; the other silent and selfless. They were cooking in the kitchen that morning, serving pancakes to anyone who needed to eat and sharing the Bread of Life with anyone likely to hunger again. Care left her post to retrieve a pair of socks for Self-Aware. (Self-Aware has no home. Our church is a place he can eat, wash up a bit, and share some normalcy before heading back to a difficult life.) Sacrifice continued to move slowly around the kitchen, his body sore and tired.

As I ascended the stairs to the sanctuary, Change met me excitedly. "Wasn't Friday night great? I love that I'm hanging out with my family and the leaders in the church! And those two," he said with a nod toward Care and Sacrifice, "are just great! They put so much work into everything they do." I couldn't help but notice his eyes; not red, not glassy; his speech was clear and strong. Change.

At the top of the stairs was Steadfastness. Steadfastness does whatever he can do. Church wasn't starting for another thirty minutes, but Steadfastness was in place, ready to do his assigned task. I spoke, and he replied in his easy, carefree way, never raising his eyes from all he was doing. 

This is our church. There are other members as well: Affection, Exuberance, Service, Kindness, Faith --just to name a few. And I was thinking as I entered that day, there's the reflection of Jesus in every face there. Although there is no central goal or theme except loyalty to Him, we are all at various stages of our walk and we are all used in the way our Master designs. Our message is, above all others, the Gospel. We're not the Successful Church in that everyone gathered represents all we aspire to be. We're not the Political Church, waving the American flag and expecting like-mindedness in all things governmental. We're not even the Religious Church, with piety and discipline perfectly desired and perfectly executed. We are Resurrection Life Church, a work in progress, a daily grind, and a joy to behold!