From the Pastor

It struck me as I watched the news the other evening, that we live in a world where tearing things down is the norm. Stadiums, arenas, buildings, organizations and even people are being continually torn down.

It is understandable to tear down an old building that is beyond repair or is so obsolete that it is no longer functional, but to tear down something just because we can is a gross abuse of power and the epitome of self-centeredness. We see this in action with some of the larger sporting franchises, who threaten the cities they are in by demanding a new facility or they will move. It is a vivid example of the "me first" world we live in today. There is no thought given to what effect this will have on the city, it is simply a matter of what "I" want and nothing else matters.

If this attitude was contained just to buildings it might not be as big a tragedy, but unfortunately it is not. This over whelming sentiment that it is alright to tear things down also includes people. We watch as our civic leaders war with one another trying to tear each other down. The news has become a report on a series of attacks, not by enemies over seas, but attacks against one another. Through various methods of defamation they are chipping away at each other, in the end only hurting themselves and those they are suppose to serve. Even worse, this attitude has spread into our communities and even into our churches. As I talk with brothers and sisters in Christ I am amazed at how many of the conversations end up with a complaint about a pastor or church. It does not take much thought or even real energy to tear something or someone down. Conversely, it does take forethought and effort, as well as a personal investment to build something. In scripture we are encouraged to bear one another's burdens and not only to bear one another's burdens, but to also help restore one another (Galatians 6:1-3). We should follow the example of our Savior, who when we were without strength, died for us that we might be restore to a right relationship with our Heavenly Father (Romans 5:1-11).

Stan Toler said, "It takes a strong person to lift others up." Are you a lifter or a destroyer? When was the last time you purposely reached out to encourage someone? What do you spend more time doing, tearing down or building up? May we all be part of building the Kingdom of God one person at a time.

Brother Tim

FROM THE PASTOR